Specialty
Melanotan 2 (MT2)
- Size
- 10mg
Specifications
Melanotan 2 (MT2) Technical Profile
OVERVIEW
What Is Melanotan 2 (MT-2) Peptide?
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide originally developed at the University of Arizona as a more potent analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). First synthesized by Hruby et al. in the 1980s, MT-2 peptide features a lactam bridge that confers enhanced metabolic stability compared to the native α-MSH sequence. With over 200 published studies, Melanotan 2 is one of the most extensively researched melanocortin receptor agonists in the scientific literature.
As a research peptide, MT-2 is distinguished by its non-selective binding profile across multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. This broad receptor activity has made Melanotan 2 acetate a versatile tool for investigating diverse melanocortin-mediated pathways in laboratory settings. MT-2 research encompasses melanogenesis, energy homeostasis, and sexual function pathways, reflecting the wide distribution of melanocortin receptors throughout biological systems.
- 01
Cyclic Heptapeptide
Lactam-bridged 7-amino-acid α-MSH analog with activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R
- 02
≥99% HPLC Purity
Every batch verified via high-performance liquid chromatography
- 03
USA Tested & Verified
Third-party analytical testing performed in USA laboratories
RESEARCH
MT-2 Mechanism of Action in Research
The MT-2 mechanism of action involves activation of multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, triggering diverse downstream signaling cascades. Published research has extensively characterized MT-2 as a potent non-selective melanocortin agonist. MT-2 research provides insight into the complexity of the melanocortin system and its role in multiple physiological pathways studied in laboratory settings.
Multi-Receptor Melanocortin Activation
MT-2 binds to and activates melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R with varying affinities. Research demonstrates that at MC1R, MT-2 triggers the cAMP/PKA/MITF signaling cascade driving melanogenesis, similar to MT-1. However, MT-2's activity at MC3R and MC4R, receptors expressed in the central nervous system, enables researchers to study additional melanocortin-mediated pathways. Hruby et al. (1995) characterized MT-2's binding affinities, establishing it as one of the most potent synthetic melanocortin agonists, with sub-nanomolar affinity at multiple receptor subtypes.
Melanogenesis and Pigmentation Pathways
Through MC1R activation, MT-2 promotes eumelanin synthesis via upregulation of tyrosinase and related melanogenic enzymes. Research indicates that MT-2's cyclic structure contributes to enhanced potency at MC1R compared to linear α-MSH analogs in certain assay systems. Studies by Dorr et al. (1996) demonstrated measurable increases in melanin density in research subjects, providing foundational data for understanding melanocortin-driven pigmentation. The peptide's melanogenic activity has made MT-2 a standard reference compound in pigmentation research.
MC4R-Mediated Research Pathways
MT-2's activity at the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) has opened additional areas of investigation. MC4R is predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus and plays a role in energy homeostasis and appetitive behavior pathways studied in animal models. Research by Wikberg & Mutulis (2008) explored how MT-2's MC4R agonism contributes to the peptide's observed effects in various preclinical models, expanding the scope of melanocortin research beyond pigmentation. ---
COMPARISON
MT-2 vs MT-1: Research Peptide Comparison
MT-2
MT-2 (Melanotan 2) and MT-1 (Melanotan 1) are both synthetic α-MSH analogs used extensively in melanocortin research. Their structural differences lead to distinct pharmacological profiles, making each suited to different research applications. Understanding these differences helps researchers select the appropriate peptide for their melanocortin receptor studies.
MT-1
The choice between MT-2 and MT-1 depends on the specific melanocortin receptor pathways under investigation. MT-2 is preferred for multi-receptor studies, while MT-1 provides cleaner data for MC1R-specific research. VivePeptides offers both Melanotan 2 for sale and MT-1 at research grade purity from our USA-based facility.
| Feature | MT-2 (Melanotan 2) | MT-1 (Melanotan 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Cyclic heptapeptide (lactam bridge) | Linear tridecapeptide |
| Amino Acids | 7 | 13 |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 | 75921-69-6 |
| Molecular Weight | 1024.18 Da | 1646.85 Da |
| Receptor Selectivity | Non-selective (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) | Highly selective for MC1R |
| Primary Research Focus | Broad melanocortin system research | MC1R-specific melanogenesis research |
| Potency | Sub-nanomolar at multiple MCRs | Potent and selective at MC1R |
| Metabolic Stability | Enhanced via cyclization | Moderate (linear structure) |
| Research Volume | 200+ published studies | 100+ published studies |
RESEARCH STUDIES
MT-2 Research Applications & Published Studies
Melanotan 2 research encompasses one of the largest bodies of literature among synthetic melanocortin peptides. The following areas represent the most actively investigated applications of MT-2 peptide. All references are to research contexts only.
Melanogenesis and Skin Pigmentation Research
The foundational MT-2 research focuses on melanogenesis. Dorr et al. (1996) published early clinical research findings in Life Sciences demonstrating MT-2's melanogenic effects in human subjects, establishing the peptide's potency as a melanocortin agonist. Subsequent studies by Hadley & Dorr (2006) reviewed the extensive body of work on melanotropic peptides, documenting MT-2's central role in pigmentation research. These studies established Melanotan 2 as a reference standard in melanogenesis investigation.
Melanocortin Receptor Pharmacology
MT-2 has been instrumental in characterizing melanocortin receptor pharmacology. Hruby et al. (1995) published seminal work on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic melanocortin peptides, with MT-2 serving as a key compound. Cai et al. (2004) used MT-2 derivatives to map receptor binding domains and selectivity determinants across the melanocortin receptor family, contributing foundational knowledge to the field.
Energy Homeostasis Research Models
MT-2's activity at MC3R and MC4R has enabled research into energy homeostasis pathways. Fan et al. (1997) published influential findings in Nature demonstrating the role of melanocortin signaling in feeding behavior using MC4R agonists including MT-2-related compounds. This research expanded understanding of how melanocortin receptor subtypes coordinate metabolic signaling in animal models.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Quality & Testing Standards
VivePeptides maintains rigorous quality control for every batch of Melanotan 2 peptide. Our commitment to research-grade purity ensures that laboratories receive consistent, reliable compounds for their investigations.
HPLC & Mass Spectrometry
Every batch of MT-2 undergoes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis to confirm identity, purity, and molecular weight.
Third-Party Verified
All VivePeptides MT-2 is independently verified through third-party analytical laboratories based in the USA. Testing documentation is available for every lot.
≥99% Purity Standard
Our Melanotan 2 consistently meets or exceeds ≥99% purity as determined by HPLC analysis, ensuring research-grade quality for laboratory applications.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About MT-2
What is MT-2 used for in research?
What purity is VivePeptides MT-2?
How should MT-2 be stored?
What is the difference between MT-2 acetate and MT-2?
Is VivePeptides MT-2 third-party tested?
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Melanotan 2 (MT2)
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