MT-2 (Melanotan-II) Research Hub — Melanocortin Signalling Studies
MT-2 (Melanotan-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R). It is one of the most widely cited reference compounds in pigmentation and melanocortin-signalling research.
What this hub covers
- Cyclic heptapeptide structure and metabolic stability vs α-MSH
- Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonism (MC1R–MC5R)
- MC1R-mediated melanogenesis and pigmentation research
- MC3R/MC4R central pathways and related literature (PT-141, melanocortin overview)
- Reconstitution, storage and handling for research use
MT-2 research articles
All research →Melanotan 2 (MT-2) Benefits and Side Effects: A Research Guide
Published benefits, side effects, and PT-141/afamelanotide comparisons for Melanotan 2 — the parent compound of the melanocortin therapeutic category.
Read article →Melanocortin Research Overview
The melanocortin system consists of five receptor subtypes (MC1R–MC5R), endogenous peptide ligands derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and two endogenous antagonists (Agouti protein and Agouti-related protein, AgRP). POMC is a large...
Read article →PT-141 (Bremelanotide) Research Overview
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): MC4R mechanism, hypothalamic sexual motivation signalling, FDA approval context, and comparison to peripheral PDE5 inhibitors in sexual function research.
Read article →PT-141 Benefits and Side Effects: A Research Guide
Published benefits, side effects, and Melanotan II comparisons for PT-141 (bremelanotide) — the only FDA-approved peptide for sexual desire.
Read article →MT-2 research FAQ
- What is MT-2 in a research context?
- MT-2 (Melanotan-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from α-MSH. It binds and activates the melanocortin receptors non-selectively, and is widely used as a reference agonist in melanocortin and pigmentation research models.
- Which receptors does MT-2 act on?
- MT-2 is a non-selective agonist of all five characterised melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R). Different downstream effects in research models are attributed to different subtype activation — MC1R for melanogenesis, MC3R/MC4R for central pathways, MC5R for exocrine tissue.
- How does MT-2 differ from PT-141 (bremelanotide)?
- PT-141 is a linear metabolite-derived MT-2 analog with greater MC3R/MC4R selectivity. The PT-141 research overview details the structural and selectivity differences that make it a distinct research tool from non-selective MT-2.
- How is MT-2 prepared and stored?
- Lyophilized MT-2 is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and stored refrigerated (2–8 °C), protected from light. Use within the window described on the batch COA and follow standard sterile technique.
All content on this hub is provided strictly for laboratory research purposes. Compounds listed are not for human or veterinary consumption. See our research-use disclosure for full terms.