α-Melanotropin, also known as α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), is a 13-amino acid peptide originally characterized as a neuropeptide derived from the pituitary gland. It is synthesized from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) by the action of specific prohormone convertases.
CAT No: 10-101-131
CAS No:581-05-5 (net)
Synonyms/Alias:α-MSH; α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone
α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which plays a crucial role in regulating pigment production, energy homeostasis, and immune responses in humans. As a research-grade peptide, α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate is valued for its structural fidelity to the endogenous hormone, making it an essential tool in diverse fields of biomedical research. Its ability to bind and activate melanocortin receptors has made it a subject of intense study, particularly in the context of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pigmentation, appetite control, and inflammation. With its well-characterized sequence and reliable activity profile, α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate offers researchers a consistent and reproducible means to explore the physiological and biochemical pathways influenced by the melanocortin system.
Pigmentation Research: In the field of pigmentation biology, α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate is extensively used to investigate the regulation of melanin synthesis in melanocytes. By binding to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R), it stimulates the production of eumelanin, thereby providing a model for studying the genetic and biochemical factors that influence skin and hair color. Researchers utilize this peptide to elucidate the signaling cascades triggered by MC1R activation, which has implications for understanding conditions such as albinism, vitiligo, and hyperpigmentation disorders. Its application enables precise manipulation of pigmentary pathways in in vitro and in vivo models, advancing the knowledge of melanogenesis and its regulation.
Obesity and Metabolic Studies: α-MSH analogs, including α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate, are employed in metabolic research to explore the central regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. Through activation of melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors in the hypothalamus, this peptide modulates feeding behavior and body weight. Scientists leverage its activity to dissect the neural circuits involved in satiety and energy balance, providing insights into the pathophysiology of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Its use in experimental models helps delineate the impact of melanocortin signaling on glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and thermogenesis, supporting the development of potential interventions for metabolic disorders.
Neurobiology and Behavior: In neuroscience, α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate serves as a valuable probe for studying the broader functions of the melanocortin system in the central nervous system. It has been shown to influence mood, stress responses, and cognitive function through its interaction with various melanocortin receptors distributed throughout the brain. Researchers utilize this peptide to investigate the neurochemical pathways that mediate behavioral responses to environmental stimuli, as well as the potential role of melanocortin signaling in neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. Its application extends to models of neurodegenerative diseases, where modulation of melanocortin pathways may affect disease progression and neuronal survival.
Immunology and Inflammation: The immunomodulatory properties of α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate have attracted significant attention in the field of immunology. By engaging melanocortin receptors on immune cells, it exerts anti-inflammatory effects, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and the promotion of regulatory immune responses. Researchers employ this peptide in cellular and animal models to dissect the mechanisms by which melanocortin signaling attenuates inflammation and supports tissue homeostasis. Its use has facilitated the exploration of novel anti-inflammatory strategies and deepened the understanding of the interplay between neuroendocrine and immune systems.
Photoprotection and UV Response: Another prominent application of α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate is in the study of photoprotection and cellular responses to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By enhancing melanin synthesis and activating protective signaling pathways in skin cells, it contributes to the defense against UV-induced damage. Scientists utilize this peptide to model the cellular and molecular events that occur following UV exposure, including DNA repair, oxidative stress response, and apoptosis. These investigations are critical for advancing knowledge of skin biology and the development of interventions to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Endocrine System Regulation: In addition to its established roles, α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate is also explored for its broader effects on the endocrine system. Its interaction with various melanocortin receptors influences the secretion of hormones involved in adrenal function, energy regulation, and stress adaptation. Researchers study its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and related hormonal networks to unravel the complex regulatory mechanisms governing homeostasis. Through these diverse applications, α-Melanotropin (human) Acetate continues to be an indispensable tool for advancing scientific understanding of melanocortin biology and its far-reaching physiological effects.
The alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a neuropeptide belonging to the melanocortin family. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects and shares several characteristics with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). There have been some recent reports about the direct antimicrobial activity of α-MSH against various microbes belonging to both fungal and bacterial pathogens. Similar to α-MSH's anti-inflammatory properties, its C-terminal residues also exhibit antimicrobial activity parallel to that of the entire peptide. This review is focused on the current findings regarding the direct antimicrobial potential and immunomodulatory mechanism of α-MSH and its C-terminal fragments, with particular emphasis on the prospects of α-MSH based peptides as a strong anti-infective agent.
Singh, M., & Mukhopadhyay, K. (2014). Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone: an emerging anti-inflammatory antimicrobial peptide. BioMed research international, 2014.
Although melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) peptides are known to stimulate pigmentation in man, previous reports suggest that human melanocytes are relatively unresponsive to these peptides in vitro. This may be related to the conditions under which the melanocytes were cultured. Thus, we have re-investigated the in vitro effects of MSH peptides using human melanocytes cultured in the absence of artificial mitogens. Human melanocytes were incubated with alpha-MSH or its potent analogue Nle4Dphe7 alpha-MSH for 3 days. After 18 hours, melanocyte morphology had evolved from mainly bipolar to dendritic in approximately 66% of cultures.
Hunt, G., Todd, C., Cresswell, J. E., & Thody, A. J. (1994). Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and its analogue Nle4DPhe7 alpha-MSH affect morphology, tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in cultured human melanocytes. Journal of Cell Science, 107(1), 205-211.
Melanocortins are known to affect feeding and probably insulin activity through the central nervous system. It was also recently shown that peripheral alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) administration can reduce weight gain in both genetic and diet-induced obese mice. As obesity is often associated with disregulation of glucose and insulin, we investigated the nature of glucose homeostasis in the obese pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) knockout mouse. Here we report that though they are obese, mice deficient in POMC (and, thereby, deficient in alpha-MSH) are euglycemic throughout their lives.
Brennan, M. B., Costa, J. L., Forbes, S., Reed, P., Bui, S., & Hochgeschwender, U. (2003). α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Is a Peripheral, Integrative Regulator of Glucose and Fat Metabolism. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 994(1), 282-287.
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