Melanotan 1 – 10MG

Scientific Overview of Melanotan 1

Melanotan 1 (MT-1) is a laboratory-synthesized peptide that mirrors the activity of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Researchers have studied this compound primarily in the context of pigmentation biology and phototoxicity models, particularly in relation to conditions such as erythropoietic protoporphyria. Its structure features specific amino acid substitutions that may enhance molecular stability and receptor affinity when compared to natural α-MSH.

Beyond pigmentation, scientific investigations have suggested that MT-1 may interact with multiple physiological pathways, ranging from neurobiology to vascular regulation. The compound has therefore become a point of interest for its potential role in experimental studies exploring melanocortin receptors, neuroinflammation, and tissue fibrosis.

Alternative Names: MT-1

Melanotan 1 Studies and Research Data

Receptor Pathways and Pigmentation Models

Melanotan 1 has been studied in connection with the melanocortin receptor family. It is thought to primarily interact with melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R), which are expressed in melanocytes and considered central to pigmentation processes. This receptor interaction may increase melanin synthesis, with evidence pointing to potential differences between eumelanin and pheomelanin formation. Studies suggest that MT-1 may induce pigmentation changes in laboratory models even under reduced UV exposure, with pigmentation lasting longer compared to controls.

Genetic and Dermatological Observations

Variants in MC1R genes have been associated with variable pigmentation responses in laboratory settings. Research has examined MT-1 in combination with ultraviolet light in models of hypopigmentation, such as vitiligo. Findings indicate possible stimulation of both melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis. Additional studies note its role in influencing pigmentation recovery in experimental scar tissue and in mitigating UV-induced skin damage models.

Cognitive Function and Neurobiology

MT-1 has also been investigated in murine models of Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that stimulation of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) may reduce amyloid-beta accumulation, support synaptic activity, and improve markers linked to neuroprotection. Preliminary findings point to possible contributions to astrocyte functioning and the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule central to neuronal stability and neurogenesis.

Cardiovascular and Stroke Research

Laboratory studies indicate that MT-1 may influence blood pressure regulation in hypertensive models without producing significant changes in normotensive controls. Further investigation suggests potential benefits in ischemia models, where the compound may mitigate neuronal damage after stroke induction and promote recovery of learning and memory pathways. The upregulation of genes such as Zif268 has been proposed as part of the underlying mechanism.

Inflammation and Immune Studies

Research has noted possible connections between MT-1 and the suppression of neuroinflammation. Experimental data suggest that peptides influencing melatonin expression, including MT-1, may reduce T-cell activity in models of multiple sclerosis and uveitis. This proposed mechanism may highlight MT-1 as part of broader peptide-related pathways in controlling immune-driven inflammation in neural and ocular tissues.

Melanotan 1 and Tissue Fibrosis Investigations

Preclinical studies have explored whether stimulation of MC1R activity by MT-1 may contribute to reducing fibrotic responses in inflamed tissues. Observations indicate that MT-1 may modulate the balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, as well as reduce the expression of genes associated with fibrogenesis. These findings suggest possible roles in decreasing fibrosis progression, particularly in liver models.

Conclusion

Melanotan 1 has been extensively examined in laboratory research for its potential roles across multiple systems, including pigmentation biology, neuroprotection, cardiovascular processes, immune regulation, and tissue fibrosis. While much of the research remains preliminary, MT-1 continues to be a central compound of interest in studies of melanocortin receptor signaling and its broader implications in experimental biology.

References

1. Lee TH, Jawan B, Chou WY, Lu CN, Wu CL, Kuo HM, Concejero AM, Wang CH. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone gene therapy reverses carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice. J Gene Med. 2006 Jun;8(6):764-72. doi: 10.1002/jgm.899. PMID: 16508911.
2. Ahmed TJ, Montero-Melendez T, Perretti M, Pitzalis C. Curbing Inflammation through Endogenous Pathways: Focus on Melanocortin Peptides. Int J Inflam. 2013;2013:985815. doi: 10.1155/2013/985815. Epub 2013 May 7. PMID: 23738228; PMCID: PMC3664505.
3. Koikov L, Starner RJ, Swope VB, Upadhyay P, Hashimoto Y, Freeman KT, Knittel JJ, Haskell-Luevano C, Abdel-Malek ZA. Development of hMC1R Selective Small Agonists for Sunless Tanning and Prevention of Genotoxicity of UV in Melanocytes. J Invest Dermatol. 2021 Jul;141(7):1819-1829. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.11.034. Epub 2021 Feb 18. PMID: 33609553; PMCID: PMC9009400.
4. Lau JKY, Tian M, Shen Y, Lau SF, Fu WY, Fu AKY, Ip NY. Melanocortin receptor activation alleviates amyloid pathology and glial reactivity in an Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mouse model. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 23;11(1):4359. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83932-4. PMID: 33623128; PMCID: PMC7902646.
5. Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Langendonk JG. Afamelanotide is used to prevent phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Feb;14(2):151-160. doi: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1879638. PMID: 33507118.
6. Sande PH, Dorfman D, Fernandez DC, Chianelli M, Domínguez Rubio AP, Franchi AM, Silberman DM, Rosenstein RE, Sáenz DA. Treatment with melatonin after the onset of experimental uveitis attenuates ocular inflammation. Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Dec;171(24):5696-707. doi: 10.1111/bph.12873. PMID: 25131343; PMCID: PMC4290711.
7. Cai, M., & Hruby, V. J. (2016). The Melanocortin Receptor System: A Target for Multiple Degenerative Diseases. Current protein & peptide science, 17(5), 488–496. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389203717666160226145330
8. Wurtman R. Multiple Sclerosis, Melatonin, and Neurobehavioral Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2017 Oct 23;8:280. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00280. PMID: 29109699; PMCID: PMC5660121
9. do Carmo JM, da Silva AA, Wang Z, Fang T, Aberdein N, Perez de Lara CE, Hall JE. Role of the brain melanocortins in blood pressure regulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis. 2017 Oct;1863(10 Pt A):2508-2514. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.03.003. Epub 2017 Mar 6. PMID: 28274841; PMCID: PMC5587353.
10. Mun, Y., Kim, W., & Shin, D. (2023). Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R): Pharmacological and Therapeutic Aspects. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(15), 12152. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512152

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