Melanotan 1 – Premium Research Grade
Synthetic α-MSH Analog | MC1R-Selective Melanocortin Research Compound | ≥99% Purity | HPLC-Tested | Lyophilized Powder
Product Overview
Melanotan 1 (afamelanotide) is a synthetic linear analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), engineered for selective binding to melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R). This research-grade formulation provides laboratories with a high-purity, HPLC-verified compound for investigating melanin synthesis pathways, MC1R receptor pharmacology, UV-response mechanisms, and pigmentation biology in controlled experimental models.
As a direct structural analog of the naturally occurring α-MSH tridecapeptide, Melanotan 1 retains the core melanocortin receptor binding sequence while incorporating stabilising modifications that extend its biological activity compared to native α-MSH. Its high MC1R selectivity — in contrast to the broader receptor profile of Melanotan 2 — makes it the preferred research tool for studies requiring targeted melanocortin receptor 1 engagement without activation of other melanocortin receptor subtypes.
What is Melanotan 1 and Why is it Researched?
The melanocortin system comprises five receptor subtypes (MC1R–MC5R) with distinct tissue distributions and biological roles. MC1R is expressed primarily on melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells of the skin — where its activation by α-MSH initiates the melanogenesis cascade, driving melanin production and influencing skin pigmentation responses.
Melanotan 1’s selective MC1R binding makes it a precision research tool for isolating the specific contributions of MC1R signalling to pigmentation biology, UV-response mechanisms, and melanocyte function — without the confounding multi-receptor activity seen with less selective melanocortin compounds. This receptor selectivity is what distinguishes Melanotan 1 as the primary compound of choice for MC1R-focused research.
Mechanism of Action
Melanotan 1 activates the melanocortin signalling axis through highly specific receptor engagement:
MC1R Receptor Binding & Activation — Melanotan 1 binds selectively to MC1R on melanocyte cell surfaces, activating adenylyl cyclase through Gs protein coupling. This increases intracellular cAMP levels, triggering downstream activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and CREB transcription factor — the primary signalling cascade initiating melanogenesis research models.
Melanogenesis Pathway Initiation — MC1R activation stimulates tyrosinase enzyme activity and upregulates MITF (Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor) expression — the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation and melanin synthesis. Researchers use Melanotan 1 to study how MC1R-initiated signals translate into measurable melanin production in epidermal cell models.
UV-Response Mechanism Research — MC1R signalling is a key component of the skin’s adaptive response to UV radiation. Melanotan 1 enables researchers to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which melanocortin signals regulate photoprotective melanin production in response to UV exposure models.
Melanotan 1 vs Melanotan 2 in Research
Understanding the distinction between these two compounds is essential for research design:
| Property | Melanotan 1 | Melanotan 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Linear α-MSH analog | Cyclic α-MSH analog |
| Primary receptor | MC1R (selective) | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R |
| Research focus | Pigmentation & UV response | Broader melanocortin system |
| Receptor selectivity | High MC1R selectivity | Non-selective |
Melanotan 1 is the preferred compound for studies requiring isolated MC1R pathway investigation. Melanotan 2’s broader receptor profile makes it more suited to research examining multi-receptor melanocortin system interactions including energy balance and autonomic function pathways.
Research Applications
Melanotan 1 is suited for laboratory investigations including:
- MC1R receptor binding affinity and pharmacology studies
- Melanogenesis pathway and melanin synthesis research
- UV-response mechanism and photoprotection pathway analysis
- Melanocyte biology and pigmentation signalling research
- Tyrosinase activity and MITF expression modulation studies
- Comparative melanocortin receptor selectivity research
- Skin biology studies within our skin & anti-aging peptides category
Product Specifications
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Peptide Type | Synthetic α-MSH linear analog |
| Target Receptor | MC1R (melanocortin receptor 1) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Category | Skin & anti-aging research |
| Storage | -20°C long-term, 4°C short-term |
Storage & Reconstitution
Store lyophilized Melanotan 1 at -20°C for long-term stability or at 4°C for use within 4–6 weeks. Protect from light and moisture at all times and keep vials tightly sealed until ready for use. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water under sterile laboratory conditions. All reconstitution supplies are available in our accessories category.
Frequently Asked Questions — Melanotan 1
What is Melanotan 1 used for in research? Melanotan 1 is used in laboratory research to investigate MC1R receptor pharmacology, melanogenesis signalling pathways, UV-response mechanisms, melanocyte biology, and pigmentation regulation. Its high MC1R selectivity makes it the primary research compound for studies requiring targeted melanocortin receptor 1 engagement.
What is the difference between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2? Melanotan 1 is a linear α-MSH analog with high selectivity for MC1R, making it ideal for pigmentation and UV-response research. Melanotan 2 is a cyclic analog that activates multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes including MC3R and MC4R, making it more suited to research examining broader melanocortin system interactions including energy balance pathways.
What is MC1R and why is it important in research? MC1R (Melanocortin Receptor 1) is a G protein-coupled receptor expressed primarily on melanocytes. Its activation by α-MSH and related peptides initiates melanogenesis — the biochemical pathway producing melanin pigment. MC1R is a central research target in pigmentation biology, UV-response mechanisms, and skin cancer biology.
What purity level is your Melanotan 1? Every batch is HPLC-tested to ≥99% purity. Certificates of Analysis are available on request for all orders.
How should Melanotan 1 be stored? Store at -20°C for long-term use or at 4°C for short-term use within 4–6 weeks. Keep away from light and moisture and store in a sealed vial until reconstitution.
Do you offer bulk pricing on Melanotan 1? Yes. Bulk discounts are available for research institutions and laboratories. Contact us directly for volume pricing details.
For research and laboratory use only. Not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Not for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.
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