AHK-Cu

A synthetic tripeptide-copper complex (L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to Cu2+) used in research on copper-peptide chemistry and dermatological cell biology.

About This Compound

AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Cu2+) is a three-residue peptide complexed with divalent copper. Structurally, it belongs to the same tripeptide-copper family as the naturally occurring plasma tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK-Cu), differing at the N-terminal residue. Copper-binding tripeptides of this family have been studied since the 1970s as model systems for how small peptides coordinate transition metals and how those complexes interact with cultured mammalian cells. Sold as lyophilized powder, research-grade purity.

Research Context

Pyo et al. (2007) examined AHK-Cu in cultured human dermal papilla cells and in ex vivo human hair follicle explants, reporting observations on cell proliferation markers and apoptotic indices at picomolar and nanomolar concentrations. In veterinary dermatology, Gul et al. (2008) characterized a topical tripeptide-copper complex applied to experimental wounds in a rabbit model, tracking granulation tissue formation and neovascularization. The broader Pickart review literature on tripeptide-copper chemistry (Pickart et al., 2015) discusses the parent GHK-Cu scaffold's interactions with collagen and matrix remodeling markers in cultured fibroblasts, providing scaffold-family context for AHK-Cu research.

Research Use Disclaimer

For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.