Melanotan-1 vs Melanotan-2

Melanotan-1 is an alpha-MSH analogue with norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions. Melanotan-2 is a cyclic heptapeptide with a lactam bridge. These structural differences remain relevant even though both sit in the melanocortin class.

The Melanotan-1 entry describes MC1R-related cellular signaling, while Melanotan-2 is described as recognizing several melanocortin receptors with a nonselective profile. A pathway highlighted in a summary should not be mistaken for evidence of absolute receptor exclusivity.

Melanotan-1: Melanotan-1 is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, with norleucine and D-phenylalanine substitutions described in the literature as determinants of its stability. NDP-alpha-MSH has been studied in in vitro melanocortin receptor binding assays and as a reference for comparing structural variants across subtypes. It has been studied in models of melanogenesis in in vitro studies.

Melanotan-2: Melanotan-2 is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, cyclized through a lactam bridge. In preclinical models, it binds to several melanocortin receptors, including MC1R, MC3R and MC4R, with a nonselective profile. It has been investigated in models of melanocortin signaling in rodent studies.

Melanotan-1: MC1R is a Gs protein-coupled receptor present in melanocytes. Its activation modulates the cyclic AMP pathway and tyrosinase expression in cellular models.

Melanotan-2: Cyclization restricts the peptide's conformation and modifies its relative affinity for receptor subtypes. All of these are Gs protein-coupled receptors in cellular models.

A dash means that the catalog does not declare that field for the compound. If neither entry declares a field, the row is omitted. A label purity specification of ≥ 99 % is not an analytical result; results must come from the certificate for the relevant batch.

Reconstitution: Laboratory procedure: allow the closed vial to reach room temperature, disinfect the septum and slowly transfer the diluent against the inner wall of the vial. Do not shake; gently swirl the vial until fully dissolved. Record the volume, diluent and date in the batch log.

Storage: Sealed vial of lyophilized material: store at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted material; aliquot when the experimental design permits.

Protective equipment: Handle in a clean work area with a lab coat, nitrile gloves and eye protection. Dispose of vials, tips and sharps according to the laboratory waste procedure.

Reconstitution: Laboratory procedure: allow the closed vial to reach room temperature, disinfect the septum and slowly transfer the diluent against the inner wall of the vial. Do not shake; gently swirl the vial until fully dissolved. Record the volume, diluent and date in the batch log.

Storage: Sealed vial of lyophilized material: store at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted material; aliquot when the experimental design permits.

Protective equipment: Handle in a clean work area with a lab coat, nitrile gloves and eye protection. Dispose of vials, tips and sharps according to the laboratory waste procedure.

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The compendium entries contain the extended definitions, research context and indexed bibliography for each compound. The comparison organizes declared information; it does not replace study-specific interpretation or batch identity evidence.