# AHK-Cu

> Copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) studied for hair-follicle stimulation and dermal repair.

- Also known as: Copper Tripeptide AHK, Ala-His-Lys Copper
- Class: Cosmetic
- FDA approved: No
- Canonical page: https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/ahk-cu

## Overview

AHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, structurally related to GHK-Cu but studied primarily in hair-follicle biology rather than facial-skin remodeling.

AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (AHK). It shares the histidine–lysine copper-binding motif of the better-known GHK-Cu but differs at the first residue (alanine in place of glycine), and the research interest is oriented toward the hair follicle rather than facial skin.

Like other copper peptides it is studied as both a copper-delivery vehicle and a signaling molecule. The evidence base is preclinical — cell and ex-vivo follicle models — and it is used as a cosmetic ingredient rather than an approved drug.

## Mechanism

Copper delivery with VEGF upregulation and anti-apoptotic signaling in dermal papilla cells.

## Sequence

```
AHK
```

## Research areas

Studied in: Hair growth, Dermal repair.

Guides on this site:

- [Skin & Hair](https://www.americanpeptide.com/research-areas/skin-hair): Peptides studied for skin aging, pigmentation, and hair follicle biology.

## Key research

- Dermal papilla cells — studied for stimulating proliferation and reducing apoptosis (raised Bcl-2/Bax ratio, lower cleaved caspase-3 / PARP) in DPCs (Pyo & Yoo et al., 2007).
- Hair-follicle elongation — promotes elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo in preclinical work.
- Angiogenesis — upregulates VEGF and stimulates dermal fibroblast proliferation while reducing TGF-β1 secretion.
- Compared to GHK-Cu — the same copper-binding chemistry but oriented toward the follicle, where GHK-Cu is the reference compound for facial-skin remodeling.
- Preclinical / cosmetic — not FDA-approved as a drug.

## Storage, handling & synthesis

**Storage.** Lyophilized: store frozen and protected from light. Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within weeks; copper complexes are light- and oxidation-sensitive.

**Handling.** Reconstitute gently; protect from light and air, since the copper(II) complex is prone to oxidation.

## FAQs

### What is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine, a copper peptide studied primarily for hair-follicle stimulation and dermal repair.

### How does AHK-Cu differ from GHK-Cu?

They share the same histidine–lysine copper-binding motif but differ at the first residue. GHK-Cu is the reference compound for facial-skin remodeling; AHK-Cu research is oriented toward the hair follicle.

### What is it studied for?

Dermal-papilla-cell proliferation, hair-follicle elongation, and angiogenesis (VEGF) — mostly in cell and ex-vivo models. It is used as a cosmetic ingredient, not an approved drug.

### Is AHK-Cu FDA-approved?

No. It is a research and cosmetic compound, not an approved drug. This page is a research and educational reference.

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Source: AmericanPeptide.com — https://www.americanpeptide.com/catalog/ahk-cu
Data license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Attribution: AmericanPeptide.com.
Research reference only — computational and educational content, not medical advice.