AHK-Cu
A synthetic copper-binding tripeptide examined in hair-follicle, dermal papilla cell, and extracellular-matrix research models.
Quick answers
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper(II)–tripeptide coordination complex of 3 amino acids with a molecular weight of ~416.9 g/mol (AHK-Cu complex) and the formula C15H26N6O4.
How much published research cites AHK-Cu?
The Luvaminos AHK-Cu record cites 20 published references, dated 1988 to 2025. Each is listed on this page with a link to its source.
Does Luvaminos test AHK-Cu, and where is the certificate?
Luvaminos does not currently stock AHK-Cu. Every peptide lot Luvaminos sells is tested by Freedom Diagnostics Testing, PLLC, an independent laboratory, and its certificate is published at luvaminos.com/coa under the lot number printed on the vial.
What modifications does AHK-Cu carry?
AHK-Cu: Copper(II) chelation via histidine imidazole and backbone nitrogen donor atoms; commonly supplied as the monohydrochloride salt.
How is AHK-Cu powder stored?
Sealed AHK-Cu powder: Store sealed, protected from light and humidity, at freezer temperature for long-term stability in research settings. As a copper chelate, integrity depends on maintaining the metal-peptide coordination; avoid competing chelators and extreme pH.
How is AHK-Cu different from GHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu are different compounds: AHK-Cu has 3 amino acids, a molecular weight of ~416.9 g/mol (AHK-Cu complex) and formula C15H26N6O4; GHK-Cu has 3 amino acids, a molecular weight of ~403.9 g/mol (free GHK ligand 340.4 g/mol) and formula C14H24CuN6O4. AHK-Cu: Copper(II) chelation via histidine imidazole and backbone nitrogen donor atoms. GHK-Cu: Copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys.
Molecular Profile
- Type
- Synthetic copper(II)–tripeptide coordination complex
- Molecular formula
- C15H26N6O4
- Molecular weight
- ~416.9 g/mol (AHK-Cu complex); free AHK tripeptide 354.40 g/mol
- CAS number
- 682809-81-0
- Amino acids
- 3
- Sequence
- Ala-His-Lys + Cu(II)
- Modification
- Copper(II) chelation via histidine imidazole and backbone nitrogen donor atoms; commonly supplied as the monohydrochloride salt.
Mechanism & Target Class
AHK-Cu is a copper(II)-complexed tripeptide in which the histidine imidazole side chain provides the principal metal-anchoring site, with copper(II) coordinated through nitrogen donor atoms — imidazole nitrogen together with backbone amide and terminal amine nitrogens — forming a stable chelate analogous in coordination motif to the GHK-Cu square-planar complex. The compound differs from GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1, Gly-His-Lys+Cu²⁺) only by an alanine-for-glycine substitution at the N-terminus, adding a methyl group that modestly increases lipophilicity and alters the three-dimensional geometry of the copper complex while preserving the conserved His-Lys copper-binding motif. In dermal model systems, the copper-tripeptide class is examined at the cellular level using endpoints including fibroblast and dermal papilla cell proliferative activity as a measured variable, and VEGF and TGF-β1 expression levels as molecular endpoints.
Storage & Handling
- Lyophilized
- Store sealed, protected from light and humidity, at freezer temperature for long-term stability in research settings.
- Handling
- As a copper chelate, integrity depends on maintaining the metal-peptide coordination; avoid competing chelators and extreme pH.
Primary Database
References (20)
Reviews
1Adnan SB, Maarof M, Fauzi MB, Md Fadilah NI (2025). International Journal of Medical Sciences
- 2
Pickart L, Margolina A (2018). International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- 3
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A (2015). BioMed Research International
- 4
Pickart L (2008). Journal of Biomaterials Science Polymer Edition
Clinical
5Kuceki G, Coppinger AJ, Ragi SD, Johnson LS, Goren A, Kalil LL, Cirino P, Wambier CG (2025). JAAD International
- 6
Miller TR, Wagner JD, Baack BR, Eisbach KJ (2006). Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery
Primary research
7Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, Lee SH, Kang YJ, Eun HC, Cho KH, Kim KH (2007). Archives of Pharmacal Research
- 8
Sen CK, Khanna S, Venojarvi M, Trikha P, Ellison EC, Hunt TK, Roy S (2002). American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology
- 9
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP (1988). FEBS Letters
- 10
Wegrowski Y, Maquart FX, Borel JP (1992). Life Sciences
- 11
Trachy RE, Fors TD, Pickart L, Uno H (1991). Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
- 12
Uno H, Kurata S (1993). Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- 13
Siméon A, Monier F, Emonard H, Gillery P, Birembaut P, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX (1999). Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- 14
Siméon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX (2000). Life Sciences
- 15
Siméon A, Wegrowski Y, Bontemps Y, Maquart FX (2000). Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- 16
Pollard JD, Quan S, Kang T, Koch RJ (2005). Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery
- 17
Kloepper JE, Sugawara K, Al-Nuaimi Y, Gáspár E, van Beek N, Paus R (2010). Experimental Dermatology
- 18
Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI (2010). Inflammation Research
- 19
Sakuma S, Ishimura M, Yuba Y, Itoh Y, Fujimoto Y (2018). International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- 20
Choi HR, Kang YA, Ryoo SJ, Shin JW, Na JI, Huh CH, Park KC (2012). Journal of Peptide Science
Related compounds
Compared side by side