Melanotan I (MT-1), also known in the literature as afamelanotide or [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH (NDP-MSH), is a synthetic linear tridecapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The Nle4 and D-Phe7 substitutions confer enhanced receptor binding affinity and resistance to enzymatic degradation relative to the endogenous peptide, making it a widely used probe in melanocortin receptor pharmacology.
In laboratory settings, MT-1 has been employed to investigate MC1R-mediated signaling in melanocyte cultures, including the cAMP/PKA/CREB/MITF transcriptional cascade governing eumelanin synthesis. Its receptor selectivity profile — with preferential MC1R activity relative to MT-2’s broader receptor engagement — makes it a useful comparative tool in dissecting melanocortin receptor subtype contributions in cellular models.
Research applications have also included studies of photoprotection biology, DNA damage response in irradiated melanocyte models, and pigmentation biology across cell lines with variant MC1R alleles. The peptide’s stability characteristics have made it a common reference compound in peptide degradation and formulation studies.
This product is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use of any kind.
Research References
The following references are provided for informational purposes. This product is for laboratory research use only by qualified professionals.
