Melanotan 2 is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide (Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂) that functions as a potent nonselective melanocortin receptor agonist. It is employed in receptor binding and signal transduction studies exploring MC1R–MC5R-mediated cAMP activation and GPCR desensitization mechanisms. MT-II provides a research model for peptide–receptor pharmacology and neuroendocrine signaling dynamics.
What is Melanotan 2 (MT-2)?
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic version of human alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was originally developed in the 1980's, at the University of Arizona, after it was found that α-MSH caused sexual arousal in rodents as well as darkening of the skin. Originally as a sunless tanning option. MT-2 was eventually found to have a wide range of effects such as in:
- increasing sexual arousal
- promoting tanning or skin pigmentation
- reducing compulsive behavior
- controlling addiction
- fighting hunger
- reducing glucagon production
- reversing features of autism
Reference Citations
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