AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) 1g Raw Powder

AHK-Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper(II)) is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide that shares structural similarities with GHK-Cu, differing by the substitution of the N-terminal glycine residue with alanine. This modification influences receptor binding kinetics and downstream signaling pathways, making AHK-Cu a valuable tool for research into copper-peptide interactions and their biological effects. It is primarily studied in the fields of hair follicle biology, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix regulation.

Hair Follicle and Scalp Biology Research

• AHK-Cu has been shown to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation and enhance the expression of hair growth-associated genes in cell culture models. The proposed mechanisms involve activation of pathways such as KGF (keratinocyte growth factor) and IGF-1.
• Research indicates that AHK-Cu may work synergistically with GHK-Cu, potentially prolonging the anagen phase of hair follicles and reversing miniaturization in models of androgenetic alopecia, thereby providing insights into the role of copper-binding peptides in follicle homeostasis.
• Ex vivo studies using human hair follicle cultures have assessed the effects of AHK-Cu on follicle cycling, matrix keratinocyte proliferation, and the composition of the perifollicular extracellular matrix.

Angiogenesis and Vascular Research

• AHK-Cu has been found to promote endothelial cell migration and tube formation in Matrigel assays, correlating with the upregulation of VEGF and angiopoietin signaling pathways. This makes it a candidate for research in tissue engineering and vascularization of wound beds.
• The compound’s copper coordination is believed to enhance angiogenic signaling through the activation of copper-dependent enzymes and direct interactions with angiogenic growth factor receptor complexes.

Extracellular Matrix and Skin Research

• In dermal fibroblast models, AHK-Cu has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, with studies indicating distinct extracellular matrix remodeling profiles when compared to GHK-Cu.
• Additionally, AHK-Cu exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in skin-relevant cell models, including the inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α, supporting its potential application in chronic wound healing and atopic inflammation research.

For research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption.