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Pioneer Labs

Hormone analogs / Research guide

Melanotan-2.

A little deeper. A clearer picture.

A cyclic member of the melanocortin-peptide family. Melanotan-2 combines a short chain with a side-chain connection that closes part of it into a ring.

For research use onlyView Melanotan-2 sizes
Published by Pioneer LabsUpdated Sources & editorial standards

01 / Molecular architecture

A closer look at the chain.

The seven-residue reference has a lactam connection between Asp at position 2 and Lys at position 7. It is N-acetylated and has an amidated C-terminus; the ring is not shown by the linear sequence alone.

Pioneer / Reference notesMolecular features
  • 7 residues
  • Asp2–Lys7 lactam ring
  • C-terminal amide
  1. Nle
  2. Asp
  3. His
  4. D-Phe
  5. Arg
  6. Trp
  7. Lys
Ac–sequence–NH₂ with an Asp2–Lys7 side-chain ring. Sequence schematic, not a 3D conformation.

Reference information: [1][2]. Actual lot identity must be verified separately.

Closing a ring through side chains.

The Asp2–Lys7 lactam links side-chain groups through an amide bond. It is different from a disulfide bridge between cysteines and different from joining the backbone’s two ends. A line of seven residue names leaves out this extra connection, so the ring must be specified alongside the sequence.

Comparing a closely related reference.

Melanotan-2 and PT-141 share the residue names shown in their reference schematics, making terminal notation particularly useful. Melanotan-2 ends in an amide, whereas the PT-141 reference has a C-terminal acid. A comparison based only on the seven residue labels misses that chemical distinction.

Structure and research references: [1]

02 / Read the evidence

Research & analytical context.

Melanotan-2 is used in melanocortin-receptor investigations. Receptor subtype, expression system and endpoint all matter when comparing activity with other members of the family.

Read the references: [1][2].

The distinction that matters

PT-141 is closely related but differs in terminal chemistry. Do not identify the two materials from their seven residue names alone.

03 / From reference to record

Know the lot, too.

A publication describes its own test material. Your lot’s certificate describes what was tested on that lot. Keep the compound name, batch number and reported methods together when reviewing a result.

Identity & composition

Check sequence or chemical form, terminal modifications, counterion and—where relevant—each blend component.

Analytical results

Read purity, content, sterility and endotoxin results as separate measurements. Only call a test passed when the actual report supports it.

Handling & storage notes

Lyophilized material: Store at −20°C; protect from light and moisture.

Follow the material-specific label and supporting storage documentation. These temperatures do not establish a shelf life.

How to store lyophilized peptides

04 / Reference questions

A few details, explained.

Is the ring a disulfide bridge?

No. This reference uses an Asp–Lys lactam, an amide connection between side chains. A disulfide is a different bond type involving sulfur atoms.

Why does the drawing still look like a line?

The sequence schematic emphasizes residue order. The accompanying ring annotation supplies connectivity that a straight sequence cannot show; it is not intended as a three-dimensional structure.

Read alongside the references: [1]

05 / Continue reading

Go to the source.