Description
Melanotan I keeps the full thirteen-residue length of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and changes two positions to make it far more stable.
Melanotan I 10 mg, a linear alpha-MSH analogue
Replacing methionine 4 with norleucine removes an oxidation-prone residue, and inverting phenylalanine 7 to its D-form protects against enzymatic cleavage and strengthens receptor binding. The resulting peptide, Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2, has a mass of 1646.8 g/mol.
It is used in melanocortin receptor pharmacology, where its linear structure makes a useful contrast with cyclic analogues such as Melanotan II and PT-141. Studies are typically run in cells expressing MC1R, the receptor it binds most strongly.
Compound identity and specification
| Compound | Melanotan I (afamelanotide) |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 |
| Molecular formula | C78H111N21O19 |
| Molecular mass | 1646.8 g/mol |
| CAS registry number | 75921-69-6 |
| PubChem | CID 16197727 |
| Vial content | 10 mg |
| Physical form | Lyophilised powder in a sealed vial |
| Analysis | Third-party HPLC and purity testing to a 99%+ specification; certificates are posted on our COAs page |
| Supplied for | Laboratory research use only |
Questions about Melanotan 1 10mg
Why norleucine instead of methionine?
Norleucine has a similar shape but no sulphur, so it cannot oxidise the way methionine does.
Is Melanotan I cyclic?
No. It is linear, unlike Melanotan II and PT-141.
What is afamelanotide?
Another name for the same [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH peptide.
Research literature
Peer-reviewed studies involving this compound and its class. All findings listed are from in vitro, cell culture or animal models and are provided for scientific reference only. This product is supplied for laboratory research and is not approved for human consumption, clinical, or veterinary use.
- Sawyer TK, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1980;77(10):5754-5758. In the frog skin melanophore bioassay, measured melanosome dispersion potency and enzymatic degradation resistance of [Nle4,D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH. Source · PMID 6777774
- Beaumont KA, et al. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2012;25(3):370-374. In HEK293 cells expressing human MC1R, measured cAMP and MAPK pathway activation by NDP-MSH against beta-defensin-3. Source · PMID 22364200
- Heyder NA, et al. Cell Res. 2021;31(11):1176-1189. Resolved the cryo-EM structure of the NDP-alpha-MSH-bound active MC4R-Gs complex at 2.9 A, with mutagenesis defining the ligand-binding pose. Source · PMID 34561620
Certificates for our compounds are posted on the certificates of analysis page and matched to vials by cap and crimp colour. If the one for this product is not up yet, contact the order desk.
Related research compounds
Browse more compounds in Melanocortin Peptides, or view the full research peptide catalogue.
Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
