Melanotan-1 (MT-I)

Melanotan I (MT-1), also known as Afamelanotide, is a synthetic melanocortin-peptide analogue derived from α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is extensively studied within molecular, biochemical and receptor-based research due to its interaction with melanocortin receptors (MC receptors) involved in pigmentation and signaling pathways.

Compared to other melanocortin analogues, MT-1 is known for its high selectivity for specific melanocortin receptors, making it relevant for targeted receptor research and pathway analysis.

Within experimental models, Melanotan I is often used to study pigmentation-related signaling, receptor activity, and molecular communication systems.

History of Melanotan I

Melanotan I was developed within research on α-MSH analogues, with the aim of creating a compound that could selectively bind to melanocortin receptors involved in pigmentation processes.

Early studies focused on receptor specificity and signaling dynamics, while later studies expanded to neuroendocrine signaling, pathway modulation, and molecular interaction systems.

MT-1 remains an important compound in experimental peptide research, especially in studies of melanocortin receptor activity and signaling pathways.

Melanotan I Structure and Molecular Data

Peptide Name: Melanotan I (MT-1) / Afamelanotide
Peptide Type: Melanocortin Analog
Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
Molecular Formula: C78H111N21O19
Molecular Weight: ~1646.9 g/mol

Melanotan I has a linear peptide structure, which contributes to its selective receptor interaction and signaling profile. This configuration allows for targeted binding to melanocortin receptors, which makes it suitable for precision-oriented research.

Melanotan I Research Findings

Melanotan I has been extensively investigated in molecular and receptor-based models with a focus on melanocortin signaling and pathway dynamics.

Research shows activity related to:

• Melanocortin receptor (MC receptor) interaction and signaling
• Pigmentation-related molecular pathways
• Neuroendocrine signaling and pathway modulation
• Peptide receptor binding dynamics

Major Research Areas of Melanotan I

Receptor Research
Focus on melanocortin receptor selectivity and signaling mechanisms.

Molecular research
Analysis of peptide interaction and pathway modulation.

Neuroendocrine Research
Study of signaling within complex biological systems.

Systemic Research
Investigation of coordinated receptor-driven responses.

Scientific Relevance of Melanotan I

Melanotan I is considered a high-value selective melanocortin research peptide for studying MC receptor signaling and targeted peptide-receptor interactions.

Due to its linear structure and receptor selectivity, it is particularly relevant for precision-oriented research on molecular signaling and biological communication.

Due to its distinct mechanism of action, MT-1 remains an important compound in peptide research, molecular biology and receptor-based studies.

References

Hadley ME. et al. (1995). Melanocortin peptides and receptor interaction.

Hruby VJ. et al. (2001). Design and activity of melanocortin analogs.

Cone RD. (2005). Melanocortin receptors and physiological signaling.