PEPTIDES
$99.00
⚠️ For Research Use Only — This product is not intended for human consumption. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher.
MT-1 (Afamelanotide), also known as Melanotan I, is a synthetic linear 13-amino acid analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with enhanced selectivity for the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R). This research peptide stimulates melanogenesis through MC1R-mediated cAMP/MITF signaling and is used in preclinical models studying melanocyte biology, melanin biosynthesis, and photoprotective pigmentation pathways.
Afamelanotide ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH) was developed as a superpotent analog of α-MSH with improved metabolic stability and MC1R selectivity. The substitution of norleucine at position 4 and D-phenylalanine at position 7 increases binding affinity and resistance to enzymatic degradation. MC1R is the primary receptor controlling melanogenesis in epidermal melanocytes. Upon activation by afamelanotide, MC1R triggers Gs-coupled cAMP production, PKA activation, and CREB-mediated transcription of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). MITF drives expression of melanogenic enzymes including tyrosinase, TYRP1, and TYRP2, which catalyze the multistep conversion of tyrosine to melanin. Published research has characterized afamelanotide’s effects on both eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow) biosynthesis pathways (Barnetson et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006). The peptide’s MC1R selectivity makes it a precise tool for studying melanocortin-mediated pigmentation.
Afamelanotide binds MC1R on melanocytes, activating Gs-alpha and stimulating adenylyl cyclase. cAMP elevation activates PKA, which phosphorylates CREB at Ser133. Phospho-CREB drives MITF gene transcription, and MITF protein then activates transcription of tyrosinase (rate-limiting enzyme), TYRP1, and TYRP2. This enzymatic cascade converts L-tyrosine to L-DOPA, then to dopaquinone, and subsequently to eumelanin through a series of oxidative and polymerization reactions. MC1R signaling also shifts the melanin ratio from pheomelanin toward eumelanin production.
MT-1 (Afamelanotide) is MC1R-selective, focusing research on melanogenesis and pigmentation. MT-2 (Melanotan II) activates all five melanocortin receptor subtypes (MC1R-MC5R), producing broader effects. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) selectively targets MC3R/MC4R for central neurobehavioral research.
Related products in the Axiom Research Supply catalog: MT-2, PT-141, Oxytocin.
Reconstitute in sterile water. Store reconstituted peptide at 2–8°C. Lyophilized storage at -20°C. Protect from light.
Axiom Research Supply provides MT-1 (Afamelanotide) at ≥98% (HPLC verified), verified through independent HPLC analysis with third-party testing documentation. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control including identity confirmation, purity assessment, and endotoxin testing. Our peptides are properly lyophilized and shipped with cold-chain protocols to maintain stability from production to your laboratory. Axiom Research Supply is committed to advancing metabolic peptide science with precision, reproducibility, and dedicated research support. Access our educational resources including the Axiom Research Supply Metabolic Peptide Research eBook for comprehensive scientific background.
| Product Name | MT-1 (Afamelanotide) |
| Available Sizes | Multiple dosage options available — see product listing |
| CAS Number | 75921-69-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C78H111N21O19 |
| Molecular Weight | 1646.85 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC verified) |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized Powder |
| Storage | Store at -20°C, protect from light and moisture |
| Peptide Class | Melanocortin-1 Receptor Agonist (Alpha-MSH Analog) |
| Key Receptor Targets | Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R) |
| Research Applications | MC1R signaling, melanogenesis studies, melanocyte biology, photoprotection research, cAMP/MITF pathway studies |
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