Melanotan II vs Kisspeptin: Neuroendocrine Peptide Comparison
Quick Summary
Melanotan II and Kisspeptin both modulate neuroendocrine signaling but through distinct pathways. Melanotan II is a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist that affects skin pigmentation and reproductive behavior. Kisspeptin acts as the master regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, controlling GnRH neuron activity. Both are extensively studied in reproductive biology and neuroendocrinology.
Melanotan II
Overview Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic, cyclic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous 13-amino-acid hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was originally synthesized at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s by Victor Hruby, Mac Hadley, and Robert Dorr.[1] Chemically,...
Kisspeptin
Overview Kisspeptin refers to a family of neuropeptides derived from the KISS1 gene, originally discovered in 1996 by Danny R. Welch and J.H. Lee in Hershey, Pennsylvania, as a melanoma metastasis suppressor. The gene was named "KiSS-1" to honor the...
Research Comparison: Melanotan II vs Kisspeptin
| Dimension | Melanotan II | Kisspeptin |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Cyclic heptapeptide (7 amino acids, lactam bridge) | Kisspeptin-54 or shorter fragments (-10, -13, -14) |
| Receptor Targets | MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (non-selective melanocortin) | KISS1R (GPR54) — highly selective |
| Primary Mechanism | Melanocortin receptor agonism → melanogenesis, sexual function | GnRH neuron stimulation → LH/FSH pulsatile release |
| Skin Effects | Strong — UV-independent melanogenesis (tanning) | None |
| Reproductive Biology | Enhances sexual arousal via MC4R in hypothalamus | Master regulator of puberty onset and reproductive axis |
| LH/FSH Response | Indirect, mild increase via central pathways | Direct, potent stimulation of GnRH → LH/FSH release |
| Appetite Effects | Appetite suppression via MC4R | No direct appetite effects |
| Clinical Applications | Bremelanotide (PT-141, FDA-approved for HSDD) | IVF trigger, puberty assessment, hypothalamic amenorrhea |
| Side Effects in Studies | Nausea, flushing, nevi changes | Generally well-tolerated; transient headache |
| Development Origin | University of Arizona (Hruby/Hadley, 1990s) | Discovered 2001 (Seminara/de Roux), multiple institutions |
Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Melanotan II | Kisspeptin |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₅₀H₆₉N₁₅O₉ | — |
| Molecular Weight | 1024.18 Da | — |
| CAS Number | 121062-08-6 | — |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH₂ | — |
| PubMed Citations | 24 referenced | 30 referenced |
Explore Full Research Profiles
Melanotan II
Overview Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic, cyclic heptapeptide analog of the endogenous 13-amino-acid hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was originally synthesized at the University of Arizona in the late 1980s by Victor Hruby, Mac Hadley, and Robert Dorr.[1] Chemically,...
Kisspeptin
Overview Kisspeptin refers to a family of neuropeptides derived from the KISS1 gene, originally discovered in 1996 by Danny R. Welch and J.H. Lee in Hershey, Pennsylvania, as a melanoma metastasis suppressor. The gene was named "KiSS-1" to honor the...
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For Research Use Only (RUO). This comparison is for educational and informational purposes only. All products are intended solely for in-vitro research and laboratory experimentation. Products have not been approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use. Pure U.S. Peptides does not condone or encourage the use of these products for anything other than strictly defined research applications.