MT-2 (Melanotan 2) 10mg

About This Compound

MT-2 is Ac-Nle4-cyclo[Asp5, D-Phe7, Lys10]-α-MSH(4-10)-NH2, a truncated, cyclized analog of the endogenous α-MSH tridecapeptide developed by constraining the linear hormone into a lactam-bridged ring. Molecular-dynamics-based design research examined how ring size in this class of cyclic melanotropins relates to receptor engagement and biological potency in classic pigment-cell bioassay systems. The way tightening a coiled wire into a fixed loop changes how it seats into a socket, constraining the peptide backbone into a defined ring size is studied for how it changes the molecule's fit at the melanocortin receptor.

Research Context

Al-Obeidi, Castrucci, Hadley, and Hruby (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1989; PMID 2555512) designed a series of cyclic lactam α-melanotropin fragment analogs based on molecular dynamics modeling, comparing ring sizes from 20 to 24 members in classic frog and lizard skin bioassay systems and identifying a 23-membered ring analog with markedly higher potency and prolonged activity relative to the natural hormone in those bioassay systems. Al-Obeidi, O'Connor, Job, Hruby, and Pettitt (Journal of Peptide Research, 1998; PMID 9650716) applied NMR and molecular dynamics to compare the conformational properties of linear and cyclic analogs in this series, correlating backbone and side-chain torsional angles with receptor potency. Yang, Dickinson, Haskell-Luevano, and Gantz (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1997; PMID 9287296) included this cyclic analog in receptor mutagenesis research mapping contact residues on the melanocortin-1 receptor shared across structurally related melanocortin peptides.

Note: Melanotan II appears on the FDA's Category 2 list of bulk drug substances flagged for significant safety risk, citing immunogenicity concerns and reported adverse events in the literature (FDA, Certain Bulk Drug Substances That May Present Significant Safety Risks).

Research Use Disclaimer

For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.