[D-Phe7] a-MSH, amide

[D-Phe7] a-MSH, amide is a synthetic research peptide in the melanocyte-stimulating hormone / melanocortin peptide family. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides are POMC-derived melanocortin ligands. Residues around the His-Phe-Arg-Trp pharmacophore are important for melanocortin-receptor activation, and substitutions such as D-Phe7 or Nle4 can markedly increase potency or alter receptor selectivity. Exact fragment length, cyclization, and terminal modifications should therefore be considered when interpreting analog activity.

• melanocortin receptor binding assays
• MC1R-MC5R signaling studies
• MSH analog structure-activity comparisons
• POMC-derived peptide research

The exact sequence, residue range, stereochemistry, cyclization, terminal state, species, and chemical modifications can materially affect activity. The supplied construct should be matched to the intended assay and the specific literature context.

1. Discovery of prototype melanocortin agonists using NDP-MSH
2. Molecular basis for interaction of NDP-MSH with melanocortin receptors