AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) 1g Raw Powder

AHK‑Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper(II)) is a research-grade synthetic copper-binding tripeptide structurally homologous to GHK‑Cu, with the N-terminal glycine residue substituted by alanine. This modification alters receptor binding kinetics and downstream signaling profiles compared to GHK‑Cu, making AHK‑Cu a complementary research tool for dissecting copper-peptide mechanisms and for comparative studies of peptide-copper complex bioactivity. AHK‑Cu is principally investigated in the contexts of hair follicle biology, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix regulation. Available in 1g raw powder format for research applications requiring larger quantities or custom formulation.

Hair Follicle and Scalp Biology Research

• Demonstrated stimulation of dermal papilla cell proliferation and upregulation of hair growth-associated gene expression profiles in cell culture models, with proposed mechanisms involving KGF (keratinocyte growth factor) and IGF‑1 pathway activation.
• Investigated in combination with GHK‑Cu for additive or synergistic effects on follicle anagen phase prolongation and miniaturization reversal in androgenetic alopecia research models, providing a dual-peptide approach for dissecting copper-binding peptide contributions to follicle homeostasis.
• Ex vivo human hair follicle culture studies have been used to evaluate AHK‑Cu effects on follicle cycling, matrix keratinocyte proliferation, and perifollicular extracellular matrix composition.

Angiogenesis and Vascular Research

• Promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation in Matrigel assay models, consistent with upregulation of VEGF and angiopoietin signaling; investigated for its utility in tissue engineering and wound bed vascularization research.
• Copper coordination is hypothesized to contribute to angiogenic signaling via copper-dependent enzyme activation (lysyl oxidase, SOD) and direct interaction with angiogenic growth factor receptor complexes.

Extracellular Matrix and Skin Research

• Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal fibroblast models, with comparative studies against GHK‑Cu suggesting overlapping but distinct ECM remodeling profiles reflective of differential receptor engagement.
• Anti-inflammatory properties in skin-relevant cell models include inhibition of IL‑1β and TNF‑α, supporting its investigation in chronic wound and atopic inflammation research paradigms.

Purity and Presentation

• Supplied as a 1g raw lyophilized powder for bulk research formulation. Verified ≥99% purity by HPLC. Third-party tested for identity, heavy metal content, and sterility.

For research purposes only. Not intended for human consumption, disease prevention, diagnosis, or any therapeutic use. This product is intended solely for in vitro and laboratory research.

Research Guide

For a detailed scientific overview of this compound, read our research guide.