Glossary

Alpha-MSH (Î±-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone)

Compound

Alpha-MSH (Î±-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone) — A tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) that activates melanocortin receptors, studied in pigmentation and inflammation research.

What Is Alpha-MSH?

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a 13-amino acid peptide (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2, MW: 1665 Da) derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC). It is the endogenous agonist of melanocortin receptors MC1R-MC5R, regulating skin pigmentation, appetite, inflammation, and sexual function. Several research peptides are derived from alpha-MSH modifications.

Alpha-MSH Derived Peptides

Melanotan II: Cyclic analog targeting MC1R/MC3R/MC4R for pigmentation and sexual function
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): MC4R-selective analog, FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder
KPV: C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) retaining anti-inflammatory activity through NF-kB inhibition
ACTH(1-24): N-terminal extension containing the alpha-MSH sequence, used diagnostically (Cosyntropin)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alpha-MSH (Î±-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone)?

A tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) that activates melanocortin receptors, studied in pigmentation and inflammation research.

Why is Alpha-MSH (Î±-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone) important in peptide research?

Alpha-MSH (Î±-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone) is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.

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