MT-2 (Melanotan 2 Acetate) Overview
MT-2 (Melanotan II Acetate) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that functions as a high-affinity, non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors . Developed as a more potent and stable alternative to natural α-MSH, MT-2 incorporates a lactam bridge between Asp5 and Lys10 that restricts conformational flexibility and confers enhanced metabolic stability .
This research peptide interacts with multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes—MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R—making it a valuable pharmacological probe for investigating diverse physiological systems including pigmentation, energy homeostasis, sexual function, and inflammation . The acetate salt form provides defined aqueous solubility and batch consistency for laboratory applications .
⚠️ Research Context: This product is intended exclusively for in-vitro and laboratory research purposes. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is not a dietary supplement or pharmaceutical for over-the-counter purchase .
Mechanism of Action
MT-2 functions as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptors :
Melanocortin Receptor Binding Profile :
| Receptor | Affinity (Ki) | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| MC1R | 0.67 nM | Melanogenesis (pigmentation) |
| MC3R | 34 nM | Energy homeostasis |
| MC4R | 6.6 nM | Appetite regulation, sexual function |
| MC5R | 46 nM | Exocrine gland function |
Key Signaling Effects:
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MC1R Activation: Stimulates melanogenesis, increasing skin pigmentation
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MC4R Activation: Decreases food intake, increases energy expenditure
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MC3R/MC4R Modulation: Influences sexual function and energy homeostasis
Key Research Applications:
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Pigmentation biology and melanogenesis studies
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Melanocortin receptor pharmacology and signaling
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Energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation
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Receptor selectivity and structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations
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Comparative studies with selective analogs (PT-141, Melanotan I)
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MT-2 (Melanotan II Acetate) |
| Synonyms | MT-II, Melanotan 2, Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ · xC₂H₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 1024.2 g/mol (free base) |
| Sequence | Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH₂ (cyclic 2→7) |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC Verified) |
| Form | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | H₂O: soluble 5 mg/mL; soluble in DMSO |
| Endotoxin Level | <0.25 EU/mg |
| Storage | -20°C (long-term); 2-8°C (short-term), protected from light and moisture |
Quality Assurance
Every batch of MT-2 undergoes rigorous analytical testing to ensure maximum purity and research integrity:
| Test | Method | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ESI-MS / HPLC | Matches theoretical mass |
| Purity | RP-HPLC | ≥99% area |
| Sequence Confirmation | MS/MS | 100% sequence coverage |
| Sterility | USP <71> | No growth |
| Endotoxin | LAL Test | <0.25 EU/mg |
| Water Content | Karl Fischer | ≤5.0% |
Certificate of Analysis (COA) available upon request.
Research Background
Discovery & Development
MT-2 was first synthesized at the University of Arizona by researchers including Victor Hruby. The team sought to develop a more potent and stable alternative to natural α-MSH for potential applications in melanoma prevention and treatment . The cyclic structure distinguishes MT-2 from its linear predecessor Melanotan I (afamelanotide) and confers distinct receptor selectivity and metabolic stability profiles .
Receptor Selectivity Profile
MT-2 vs. Related Melanocortin Compounds :
| Compound | MC1R Ki | MC4R Ki | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT-2 | 0.67 nM | 6.6 nM | Non-selective; balanced MC1R/MC4R |
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) | 3.5 nM | ~1.0 nM | MC4R-preferring; lacks Arg→Lys substitution |
| Melanotan I (Afamelanotide) | 0.028 nM | 0.20 nM | MC1R-selective (24-fold higher MC1R affinity than MT-2) |
Why This Matters in Research : For pigmentation studies, MT-2 demonstrates approximately 10-fold higher MC1R affinity than PT-141 and induces 2.3-fold greater melanin production at matched doses in B16-F10 melanoma cell models. For energy homeostasis research, MT-2 provides balanced MC4R activation comparable to endogenous α-MSH—a profile not offered by the MC1R-selective Melanotan I .
In Vivo Research Applications
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Metabolic Studies: MT-2 (1 nmol, i.c.v.) increases oxygen consumption, UCP1 protein levels in brown adipose tissue, and decreases food intake, body weight, and serum leptin, glucose, insulin, and cholesterol in rodent models .
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Neuroprotection: Research has investigated MT-2’s effects on nerve function recovery after mechanical injury in rats .
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Pigmentation Research: Clinically validated as an inducer of melanogenesis in human research settings .
Storage & Reconstitution Guidelines
Storage Conditions:
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Lyophilized (Long-term): -20°C, protected from light, dry, sealed
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Lyophilized (Short-term): 2°C – 8°C (refrigerated)
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Reconstituted: 4°C for up to 7 days; aliquot and store at -20°C for longer storage; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Reconstitution Protocol:
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Allow vial to reach room temperature
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Add sterile bacteriostatic water or 0.9% sodium chloride solution
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Gently swirl (do not vortex) until fully dissolved
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Dispense into individual aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw degradation
Note: Peptides are sensitive to formulation, process, and environmental conditions that may lead to aggregation and degradation.
Important Notice
⚠️ FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
This product is not intended for human consumption, diagnostic use, therapeutic application, or clinical administration. MT-2 is a research chemical intended exclusively for in-vitro and laboratory research purposes .
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Not approved by the FDA for human use
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Not a dietary supplement, food additive, or pharmaceutical for over-the-counter purchase
-
Intended solely for qualified researchers and scientific institutions
By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are a licensed researcher or laboratory professional and agree to use this compound in compliance with all applicable local, national, and international regulations.
Why Choose PeptidesUnit.com?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| ✅ Premium Purity | ≥99% HPLC-verified purity guaranteed |
| ✅ Research-Grade Quality | Manufactured under GMP-aligned conditions |
| ✅ Third-Party Tested | Independent COA for every batch |
| ✅ Secure Packaging | Lyophilized in amber glass vials with tamper-evident seals |
| ✅ Fast Global Shipping | Discreet packaging with real-time tracking |
| ✅ Competitive Pricing | Direct-from-manufacturer pricing |
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MT-2 (Melanotan II Acetate) Peptide – ≥99% Purity
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