AIAP0002 Melanotan-1

Sequence:

Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Nle-Glu-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2

Molecular formula: C78H111N21O19

Molar Mass: 1646.845

CAS number: 75921-69-6

Synonyms: Melanotan; Melanotan-1; Melanotan I; CUV1647; EPT1647; NDP-MSH; [Nle4, D-Phe7]α-MSH[Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH Melanotan

The Development of Melanotan 1

The initial creation of the Melanotan 1 peptide tanning analogue can be credited to the University of Arizona. During the course of study aimed at developing a defense against skin cancer, focus was placed on developing a method of stimulating natural melanogenesis, or the natural production of melanin in the skin, without direct exposure to the potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Initially, University of Arizona researchers attempted to directly administer the naturally occurring hormone alpha-MSH in order to elicit this desired result. Although this strategy exhibited promising results, it was determined that the naturally occurring MSH had a prohibitively short half-life to be of realistic use as a therapeutic remedy. However, the positive results gleaned from MSH administration encouraged further research into the development of Melanotan 1, which exhibits similar effects whilst possessing an extended half-life for functional therapeutic utilization. The researchers, headed by Victor J. Hruby and Mac E. Hadley, found a peptide, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, that was approximately 1,000 times more potent than natural α-MSH. They named this new peptide molecule "Melanotan" (later Melanotan-1).

Melanotan-1 Mechanism of Action - How it Works!

Melanotan produces its photoprotective effects by triggering a 'signaling cascade' via its activation of the MC1R on melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes. Upon Melanotan binding with the MC1R on the surface of melanocytes in the epidermal layer of the skin, it begins a series of actions and reactions that result in melanocytes favoring the production of eumelanin (photoprotective black/brown pigment). The initial binding activates the MC1R leading to the activation of adenylate cyclase (AC) and stimulation of the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP in turn activates protein kinase A (PKA) resulting in the phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding (CREB). Phosphorylated CREB will bind to the cAMP response element (CRE) on the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene leading to the synthesis of the MITF protein. MITF has the ability to activate several genes by binding to them, including the MC1R gene and the genes involved in melanogenesis. This results in increased concentrations of the melanogenic enzymes within the melanocyte.