AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu (L-Alanyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper(II)) is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide with the sequence Ala-His-Lys. In this peptide, the glycine residue of the well-characterized peptide GHK is replaced with alanine. The AHK sequence contains a histidine imidazole nitrogen and terminal amine/lysine groups that form a high-affinity chelation site for divalent copper (Cu²⁺), producing a peptide-copper complex (molecular formula C15H25CuN6O4, molecular weight approx. 416.9 g/mol, CAS 682809-81-0). In cosmetic ingredient nomenclature, the complex is classified as a copper tripeptide and is structurally related to others in this family.

Scientific interest in copper tripeptides is related to the role of copper as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in connective tissue biology, including lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin cross-linking), superoxide dismutase, tyrosinase (pigment synthesis), and cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial respiration). Free copper ions are reactive, and peptide chelation is studied as a method for delivering copper in a buffered form for research purposes.

AHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilized powder at greater than 98% purity by HPLC. The blue-to-violet color of reconstituted solutions is characteristic of the coordinated Cu²⁺ center. This material is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only.

AHK-Cu is investigated as a copper-delivery and copper-signaling molecule. Its described mechanisms are related to its high-affinity copper chelation, small molecular size, and structural similarity to certain endogenous tripeptides.

Comparison with GHK-Cu

The substitution of glycine with alanine adds a methyl group, which alters hydrophobicity and steric properties without disrupting the histidine-based copper binding site. The two compounds are structurally analogous but are characterized separately; AHK-Cu's evidence base is smaller and more narrowly focused on the hair follicle than that of GHK-Cu.

Published nonclinical literature relevant to this material's molecular targets and experimental models is listed below for independent review. Findings involving other preparations or experimental systems should not be attributed to this research material.

This material is supplied solely for in vitro and other nonclinical laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, consumption, administration, therapeutic use, or diagnostic use.

Laboratory Handling

Handle only in an appropriately equipped laboratory using applicable institutional procedures, personal protective equipment, and the storage conditions shown for the material. The purchaser is responsible for study design, handling controls, disposal, and regulatory compliance.

Research Limitations

Published observations involving other preparations, experimental systems, or study populations do not establish the identity, performance, or suitability of this research material for any particular experiment.