P Palthera
Signalling Peptides

AHK-Cu

Alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper / Ala-His-Lys-Cu

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding (Ala-His-Lys) sometimes paired with GHK-Cu in skin and hair research. The peer-reviewed literature directly on AHK / AHK-Cu is more limited than on GHK / GHK-Cu, and several papers focus on the related DAHK (Asp-Ala-His-Lys) human-serum-albumin N-terminal rather than AHK itself.

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Abstract reference visual for Signalling Peptides.
Signalling Peptides
Classification
Copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys) studied alongside GHK-Cu in skin and hair research
Research stage
Limited primary literature; documented as part of the broader copper-tripeptide research alongside GHK-Cu
Sequence
Ala-His-Lys complexed with Cu(II)
Molecular weight
Approx. 378 Da (complex)

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    Copper-binding Ala-His-Lys, often grouped with GHK-Cu in skin and hair research.

  2. 02

    Primary peer-reviewed AHK / AHK-Cu literature is more limited than for GHK-Cu.

  3. 03

    Not approved as a medicine in any jurisdiction.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

AHK binds Cu(II) at the histidine . work places the AHK and related DAHK in the same copper-handling family as GHK, with effects on osteogenic and antioxidant pathways in cell-culture research.

02

Research applications

  • Cosmetic and hair-growth formulation research
  • Copper-peptide comparative chemistry
  • Osteogenic differentiation research
  • Antioxidant copper-handling research

Evidence at a glance

What's behind this profile

3 citations · 2001–2021

In vitro
3

Cell, tissue, or biochemical assays outside a living organism.

Publication years

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20012021

Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 0 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

Vitamin C-linker-conjugated tripeptide AHK stimulates BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation of mouse myoblast C2C12 cells

2018

Jung JI et al. · Differentiation

Model
In vitro — C2C12 mouse myoblast cells
Sample
N/A (cell culture)

Vitamin C-conjugated AHK was associated with enhanced osteoblast differentiation via Smad and pathway activation in the cell model used.

PMID 29567599 DOI 10.1016/j.diff.2018.03.001

An analog of the human albumin N-terminus (Asp-Ala-His-Lys) prevents formation of copper-induced reactive oxygen species

2001

Bar-Or D et al. · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Model
In vitro antioxidant / copper-binding chemistry
Sample
N/A (biochemical assay)

Reported that the DAHK forms tight Cu(II) complexes that prevented copper-induced reactive oxygen species in the system used.

PMID 11396981 DOI 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5042

Binding Models of Copper(II) Thiosemicarbazone Complexes with Human Serum Albumin: A Speciation Study

2021

May NV et al. · Molecules

Model
In vitro spectroscopic copper-binding speciation study (incl. DAHK reference)
Sample
N/A (biochemical assay)

Demonstrated selective Cu(II) binding by the DAHK framework with affinity dependent on the bound complex charge.

PMID 34063080 DOI 10.3390/molecules26092711

Evidence caveats

  • Primary peer-reviewed AHK / AHK-Cu literature is limited and overlaps with the related DAHK serum-albumin N-terminal sequence research.
  • Cosmetic and hair-growth claims associated with AHK-Cu in commercial channels are not supported by the controlled-trial evidence base.

04

Storage and handling

Store under controlled laboratory conditions, protected from excess light and moisture, with batch and preparation details recorded.

  • Protect from excess light and moisture during research storage.
  • Maintain batch traceability for copper-complexed material.
  • Research-only inventory; not for human use.