AHK-Cu
Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine Copper Complex (AHK-Cu)
AHK-Cu (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine Copper Complex) is a synthetic tripeptide conjugated with a divalent copper ion, developed as a targeted analog in the study of tissue remodeling and follicular biology. Structurally related to the endogenous tripeptide GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu possesses distinct binding kinetics and localized biological activity that make it a critical subject in dermatological and regenerative research. In laboratory models, AHK-Cu is primarily investigated for its interactions with dermal papilla cells, the specialized mesenchymal cells essential for hair follicle morphogenesis and cyclic growth. Research indicates that the peptide complex participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation, vascular network expansion, and the modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen and elastin. Furthermore, AHK-Cu serves as a molecular probe to study the mechanisms of copper delivery to enzymatic pathways involved in tissue repair and antioxidant defense, providing insights into cellular longevity and microenvironmental homeostasis in vitro.
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- Purity
- ≥99%
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- CAS Number
- 129845-93-6
- Molecular Formula
- C15H25CuN6O4
- Molecular Weight
- 401.95 g/mol
- Available sizes
- 50mg
Sequence
Ala-His-Lys(Cu2+)
Mechanism of Action
AHK-Cu exerts its effects by modulating signaling pathways critical to cellular proliferation and apoptosis inhibition. In vitro studies demonstrate that AHK-Cu upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), promoting local angiogenesis and nutrient delivery to target cellular structures. Concurrently, it downregulates transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), a known mediator of follicular miniaturization and apoptotic regression. At the structural level, AHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper(II) ions required for the activation of lysyl oxidase and other copper-dependent enzymes. This enzymatic facilitation enhances collagen type I and III synthesis and reinforces the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix surrounding dermal structures.
Research Areas
- ●Hair follicle dynamics and dermal papilla proliferation
- ●Angiogenesis and microvascular signaling
- ●Extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and remodeling
- ●Cellular apoptosis inhibition and growth factor modulation
Selected References
- Pyo HK, et al. Arch Dermatol Res. 2007;299(3):117-124.
- Lee WJ, et al. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28(5):584-591.
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.
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