MT-2 Melanocortin Receptor Research Context
MT-2 is described in melanocortin receptor literature as a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Its lactam-bridged structure is used in controlled laboratory models to examine receptor interaction patterns across several melanocortin receptor subtypes.
Because MT-2 is discussed across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R literature, it is best handled as a receptor-mapping reference compound rather than as consumer-facing, cosmetic, or therapeutic copy. The relevant research questions are receptor affinity, pathway selectivity, peptide stability, and assay interpretation under defined experimental conditions.
This compound is supplied exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research. It is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic application, cosmetic use, veterinary use, or diagnostic use.
Melanocortin Receptor System
The melanocortin receptor family includes five G-protein-coupled receptors, commonly identified as MC1R through MC5R. Published MT-2 discussions generally focus on receptor binding and downstream signaling markers rather than consumer outcomes.
- MC1R: Pigment-pathway signaling and melanogenesis-marker studies.
- MC2R: ACTH-receptor selectivity comparisons.
- MC3R: Laboratory receptor-signaling model comparisons.
- MC4R: Central melanocortin-pathway signaling models.
- MC5R: Exocrine-tissue receptor-distribution studies.
MT-2 has been used in the literature because its multi-receptor profile can help researchers compare melanocortin pathway activity across different model systems. That same breadth makes experimental design and interpretation more complex.
MC1R and Pigment-Pathway Literature
Early MT-2 studies examined MC1R-linked melanogenesis markers and the cAMP, CREB, MITF, and tyrosinase signaling sequence. In RUO catalog copy, that literature should be framed as pigment-pathway research rather than as a promise of visible cosmetic effects.
The key laboratory value is pathway mapping: researchers can compare receptor activation, marker expression, and peptide-response relationships in controlled models without presenting the compound as a consumer-use product.
MC3R and MC4R Pathway Literature
MC3R and MC4R appear throughout preclinical melanocortin literature because they are involved in central signaling model systems. For MT-2, these receptor interactions are relevant to assay design, off-target interpretation, and comparison with more selective melanocortin analogs.
Neutral research framing should describe these as receptor-pathway observations, not as outcome claims. MT-2 copy should stay limited to receptor pathway, identity, assay, and COA documentation.
Structural Features
The cyclic lactam bridge between Asp4 and Lys10 constrains the peptide and influences receptor-binding behavior. Key structural features include:
- D-Phenylalanine at position 7: Supports protease-resistance and pharmacophore positioning in receptor-binding studies.
- Norleucine at position 1: Replaces oxidation-prone methionine found in native alpha-MSH analog structures.
- Cyclic structure: Reduces conformational flexibility, a common design strategy in peptide-receptor research.
These modifications are discussed in the literature as chemistry and receptor-binding features, not as directions for use.
Research Specifications
- Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
- Molecular Weight: 1,024.18 g/mol
- CAS Number: 121062-08-6
- Physical Form: Lyophilized research material
- Purity: >=99% by HPLC where batch documentation states this specification
- Documentation: Review the current batch COA before laboratory use
Key References
- Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide therapeutics: historical milestones, clinical studies and commercialization. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921-930.
- Dorr RT, et al. Life Sci. 1996;58(17):1485-1491.
- Hruby VJ, et al. Cyclic lactam alpha-melanotropin analogues of Ac-Nle4-c[Asp5,D-Phe7,Lys10]alpha-MSH(4-10)-NH2. J Med Chem. 1995.
For certificate documentation, see the testing library. For related receptor-pathway literature, see the PT-141 melanocortin receptor reference.