What Is MT-2 (Melanotan-2)?
A concise identity guide to MT-2 as a synthetic α-MSH analog and melanocortin receptor agonist for controlled laboratory research.
MT-2 (Melanotan-2) is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Researchers use it as a reference agonist when examining melanocortin receptor binding, pathway selectivity, and downstream signalling in controlled laboratory models.
MT-2 at a glance
- Name: MT-2 (Melanotan-2)
- Sequence class: Synthetic cyclic α-MSH analog
- Structure: Cyclic heptapeptide
- Molecular mass: Approximately 1,024.2 Da
- Receptor profile: Broad agonist activity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R
- Research scope: Receptor, signalling, and pigmentation-related cellular endpoints
How MT-2 relates to α-MSH
α-MSH is an endogenous melanocortin peptide. MT-2 retains a central portion of that sequence in a constrained cyclic structure. Laboratory studies compare this structure with α-MSH to examine receptor affinity, signalling persistence, and subtype selectivity.
What does melanocortin agonist mean?
An agonist binds to a receptor and activates its signalling pathway. In melanocortin research, assays may measure receptor binding, cyclic-AMP production, transcriptional markers, or other downstream responses. MT-2 is considered broad because it is studied across several melanocortin receptor subtypes rather than one subtype alone.
What endpoints are studied?
MC1R models commonly measure pigmentation-related cellular endpoints such as cyclic-AMP response, MITF regulation, tyrosinase-pathway activity, and pigment ratios. MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R models provide additional receptor-selectivity data. Each endpoint must be interpreted within its specific assay conditions.
Is MT-2 the same as MT-1?
No. MT-2 and MT-1/afamelanotide are distinct compounds. They differ in sequence length, structure, and receptor-selectivity profile. Research records and analytical documentation should identify them separately.
How is MT-2 documentation checked?
Use the batch identifier printed on the vial to search available analytical records. A general verification standard should not be treated as a compound-specific report. The MT-2 research catalog page states the current public report status and links to the COA lookup and transparency information.
Research scope
This identity guide describes the compound, its receptor classification, and laboratory endpoints only. It remains limited to compound identity and controlled laboratory observations.
References
- Hruby VJ, et al. Cyclic α-MSH analog research and melanocortin receptor pharmacology. *Journal of Medicinal Chemistry*.
- Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide research: historical milestones and receptor pharmacology. *Peptides*. 2006;27(4):921–930.
Running the numbers for a protocol? Use the research calculators to convert mg, mL, and syringe units.
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