While Melatonin binding to the MT1 and MT2 receptors may benefit aging via suppression of oncogenic gene expression and enhancement of the SCN sleep wake cycle, receptor loss occurs with senescence.

The pharmaceutical Remelteon may be a better MT1 MT2 agonist mimetic for decreasing melatonin synthesis in the aging pineal  because it fails to bind MT3 receptor which is an active quinone reductase 2 synthesizing superoxide system. Published 24 October 2020 by Authentic Biochemistry Podcast; Dr Daniel J. Guerra