Melanotan II (MT-2) is one of the most studied synthetic melanocortin receptor agonists in preclinical research. A cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), MT-2 has been investigated across a broad range of in vitro applications — from pigmentation biology and receptor pharmacology to energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine signaling research.
What Is Melanotan II?
MT-2 is a cyclic heptapeptide (Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2) developed at the University of Arizona as a more potent and stable analog of α-MSH. Its cyclic structure confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and enhanced receptor binding affinity compared to the linear α-MSH sequence, making it a practical and reproducible tool for melanocortin receptor research.
Key Areas of In Vitro Research
Melanocortin Receptor Binding and Pharmacology
MT-2 is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist with activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. In vitro binding studies using radioligand displacement assays have characterized its binding affinities across the melanocortin receptor family. Functional assays in receptor-expressing cell lines have demonstrated potent cAMP accumulation downstream of receptor activation, making MT-2 a valuable pharmacological tool for studying melanocortin receptor signaling cascades.
MC1R and Melanogenesis
The most extensively studied application of MT-2 in cell culture is its activation of MC1R in melanocyte cell lines. In vitro research has demonstrated that MT-2-induced MC1R activation leads to robust upregulation of tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis via the cAMP/PKA/MITF signaling pathway. These studies have established MT-2 as a benchmark agonist for studying UV-independent pigmentation mechanisms and melanocyte biology.
MC4R and Energy Homeostasis Research
MT-2’s activity at MC4R has made it a widely used tool in metabolic biology research. In vitro studies using hypothalamic and neuronal cell lines have examined MC4R-mediated signaling pathways involved in energy balance regulation. Research has explored MT-2’s effects on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and POMC expression in hypothalamic cell models, providing cellular insights into appetite-regulating hormone cascades.
Comparative Studies with MT-1 (Melanotan I)
MT-2’s broad melanocortin receptor activity profile contrasts with the MC1R selectivity of MT-1 (Melanotan I / Afamelanotide). In vitro comparative studies using both compounds allow researchers to dissect receptor subtype-specific signaling — MT-1 for MC1R-selective pigmentation research and MT-2 for broader melanocortin system investigations. Both compounds are available from Everlast Research for comparative experimental designs.
MT-2 at Everlast Research
Everlast Research supplies MT-2 (Melanotan II) as a high-purity (≥98% HPLC verified) lyophilized powder in 10mg quantities. MT-1 (Melanotan I) is also available for researchers requiring MC1R-selective comparative studies.
Research Compliance Note
All MT-2 products from Everlast Research are strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Use only in certified laboratory environments under proper compliance.
Everlast Research supplies high-purity lyophilized research compounds for qualified laboratory professionals. All products are for in vitro research use only.