Melanotan

Melanotan is a man-made (synthetic) version of a natural body hormone called a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH).
Scientists made this to study how it affects melanin, the pigment that affects melanin production, skin pigmentation research models.

There are two kinds of Melanotan: Melanotan I and Melanotan II.
Both belong to the melanocortin peptide family.

Researchers often use them to study UV light effects and melanin or skin color changes in lab tests.

The Mechanism of Melanotan

In laboratory research, Melanotan may attach to melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R) found in some body cells.
When these receptors are active, they may signal the body to make more melanin, based on lab test results.

Scientists also check Melanotan II for its possible role in other body systems, like metabolism and hormones, since it also affects melanocortin signals.

Melanotan & Melanotan II Chemical Information

Property	Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)	Melanotan II
Chemical Name	Ac-[Nle4, D-Phe7]-a-MSH (1-13) amide	Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2
Type	Linear peptide (Î±-MSH analogue)	Cyclic heptapeptide (a-MSH analogue)
Molecular Formula	C78H111N21O19	C50H69N15O9
Molecular Weight	~1646.9 g/mol	~1024.18 g/mol
Peptide Sequence	Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val	Ac-Nle-Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys

Possible Research Areas

Based on published scientific studies, Melanotan may be used for:

Skin Pigmentation Studies– Scientists test how Melanotan helps increase melanin in cells or samples.
UV Light Research–Some studies show it may help lessen UV damage in test models.
Energy and Metabolism Studies–In animal tests, Melanotan II showed possible effects on energy use and metabolism through melanocortin signals.