PT-141 is a synthetic cyclic melanocortin receptor ligand used in receptor-pharmacology and model-system literature. Published work on this material is most defensibly framed around melanocortin receptor selectivity, central nervous system receptor mapping, and downstream signaling pathways.
This compound is supplied exclusively for laboratory research use. It is not intended for human consumption, therapeutic application, diagnostic use, or veterinary use.
Melanocortin Receptor Context
The melanocortin receptor family includes MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. PT-141 appears in the literature as a cyclic heptapeptide analog used to study ligand interaction with melanocortin receptor subtypes, especially central MC4R-associated signaling models.
Researchers use this pathway to examine receptor localization, ligand-receptor binding behavior, intracellular signaling, and differences between peripheral and central melanocortin-system activity. In this context, PT-141 should be framed as a pathway-mapping research reagent for controlled laboratory systems.
Structure and Receptor Selectivity
PT-141 is commonly described as a cyclic peptide built around a melanocortin-active sequence motif. Cyclization is relevant to published structure-activity discussions because it can change receptor affinity, conformational stability, and enzymatic susceptibility in experimental systems.
Several studies compare receptor-subtype activity across melanocortin analogs. In a research setting, those comparisons help separate MC4R-associated signaling questions from other melanocortin receptor pathways, including pigment-related receptor systems.
Preclinical Research Themes
- MC4R signaling: receptor activation models, antagonist-blocking experiments, and downstream second-messenger behavior.
- CNS pathway mapping: receptor expression and pathway interaction in controlled preclinical systems.
- Receptor-subtype comparisons: selectivity studies across melanocortin receptor families.
- Structure-activity work: sequence, cyclization, and analog-design questions in peptide pharmacology.
Those topics should remain separated from commercial product claims. The appropriate framing is research reagent identity, analytical verification, batch traceability, and RUO boundary language.
Research-Reagent Identity
- Compound: PT-141
- Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OH
- Molecular Weight: 1,025.18 g/mol
- CAS Number: 189691-06-3
- Format: Lyophilized research material
- Analytical focus: identity, amount, purity, and batch documentation
Selected References
- Hadley ME, Dorr RT. Melanocortin peptide literature review. Peptides. 2006;27(4):921-930.
- Martin WJ, et al. Pharmacological profile of a melanocortin receptor agonist. Eur J Pharmacol. 2002.
- Molinoff PB, et al. PT-141 melanocortin receptor agonist research report. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2003.
Batch documentation for listed research materials is maintained in the COA and batch verification ledger.