AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide alanine–histidine–lysine, examined in hair follicle and cell cultures.

Identity

Sequence

H-AHK-OH

Residues

3

Bridges and complexes

Cu(II)

Molecular formula

C₁₅H₂₆N₆O₄

Average molecular weight

354.41 g/mol

Monoisotopic mass (calculated)

354.2016 Da

CAS number

126828-32-8

PubChem CID

7408502

Strengths

50–100 mg

Other names

Ala-His-Lys copper complex · L-Alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)

Formula, molecular weight and CAS number refer to the free Ala-His-Lys tripeptide. A primary-database record confirming the copper complex composition was not found. The literature is limited: one listed PubMed paper names the complex.

Identity data from: PubChem CID 7408502

Research overview

AHK-Cu combines copper(II) with the three-residue peptide alanine–histidine–lysine. Its peptide sequence starts with alanine, followed by histidine and lysine, with free amino and carboxyl termini in the peptide structure given here. The available PubChem entry describes the free tripeptide, while the cited experimental paper explicitly names its copper complex. The single cited study examined isolated human hair follicles outside the body and cultured dermal papilla cells, which are specialised fibroblasts associated with the hair follicle [1].

In those experimental systems, the authors reported greater follicle elongation and dermal papilla cell proliferation. They also investigated apoptosis using cell labelling and flow cytometry, together with protein measurements involving Bcl-2/Bax, caspase-3 and PARP. The decrease in the number of apoptotic cells was not statistically significant, although some protein readouts changed. With only one cited publication naming AHK-Cu, the literature presented here has a narrow experimental scope and does not establish a broader set of biological properties. The apoptosis analysis used annexin V labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate together with propidium iodide. Protein measurements included the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax and the cleaved forms of caspase-3 and PARP, alongside the follicle elongation and cell proliferation assessments [1].

Laboratory storage and handling

Store the closed vial under the temperature conditions stated in the lot documentation, protected from light and moisture. Before opening, allow the vial to reach room temperature to limit condensation on the material. Minimise repeated freezing and thawing of laboratory stocks, retain the lot identifier in experimental records and wear standard laboratory protective equipment. Avoid contact with strong chelating agents unless required by the experiment, because they may alter copper binding.

Questions about AHK-Cu

References

1. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res 2007. PMID 17703734

Identity data checked on 2026-09-24. Literature summaries describe published research models and are not specifications of any product lot.