Description
Melanotan 1, (MT-1) also knows as Afamelanotide or NDP-MSH, is a synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is a linear tridecapeptide retaining the full 13-residue alpha-MSH backbone, with an N-terminal acetyl group and a C-terminal amide. It is not cyclic; its structural relative Melanotan 2 is a cyclic heptapeptide built on a shortened core.
Two substitutions distinguish it from native alpha-MSH: norleucine replaces methionine at position 4, and D-phenylalanine replaces L-phenylalanine at position 7. Hence the literature designation [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-alpha-MSH. Both substitutions reduce susceptibility to enzymatic degradation relative to the native sequence.
In published literature, MT-1 has been characterized as an agonist at the melanocortin receptors with reported selectivity for the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) relative to MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. This material is supplied as a characterized reference compound for non-clinical laboratory work, such as analytical method development for acetylated and amidated peptides, melanocortin receptor binding and cAMP signaling assays, receptor selectivity profiling across the MC subtypes, and comparative proteolytic stability studies against native alpha-MSH.
Compound Specifications
- Sequence: Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂
- Sequence Length: 13 residues (tridecapeptide)
- Molecular Formula: C₇₈H₁₁₁N₂₁O₁₉
- Molecular Weight: ~1646.9 g/mol
- CAS Number: 75921-69-6
- Other Designations: MT-1, afamelanotide, NDP-MSH, [Nle⁴, D-Phe⁷]-alpha-MSH
- Physical Form: Lyophilized powder
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light. Avoid moisture and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Handle in accordance with standard laboratory safety practices.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for human consumption. Not intended for human or veterinary use. For laboratory research and analytical purposes only.