AHK-Cu is easy to confuse with its better-known cousin, and the confusion is understandable. It is another short copper-binding peptide, only three amino acids long, and it shows up in the same corners of skin and tissue research as GHK-Cu. The interesting part is where the two differ.
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine, which is where the letters A, H, and K come from. The "Cu" is copper. Its CAS number is 682809-81-0. Like other copper peptides, the sequence binds a copper ion, and much of the research attention sits on that metal-binding behavior rather than on the peptide by itself. If the idea of a three-amino-acid peptide is new, our note on amino acids, peptides, and proteins puts it in context.
How is it different from GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu share the same basic idea, a tripeptide carrying copper, but the first amino acid is different: glycine in GHK, alanine in AHK. That single change matters to researchers because it can alter how the peptide binds copper and how it behaves in a model system. Comparing closely related sequences like these is a common way to study what a specific residue contributes.
How is AHK-Cu studied?
Laboratory work on AHK-Cu tends to focus on:
- Dermal cell activity: models looking at skin cell proliferation.
- Collagen and connective tissue: research on tissue signaling pathways.
- Hair follicle biology: studies of follicle-related cell behavior in culture.
These are laboratory observations, not conclusions about people or animals. AHK-Cu is supplied strictly as a research compound.
Handling and verification
Because AHK-Cu carries a copper ion, confirming its identity and purity is worthwhile. It is checked by HPLC and mass spectrometry, ships lyophilized, and comes with its certificate of analysis. Any Codex Research vial can be confirmed by its batch number.
Research use only
All products sold by Codex Research, including AHK-Cu, are strictly for laboratory research and development. They are not for human or animal consumption and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The compound at Codex Research
AHK-Cu, 50 mg per vial — batch-verified, with its certificate of analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What does AHK-Cu stand for?
AHK are the single-letter codes for the amino acids in the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine, and Cu is the chemical symbol for copper. AHK-Cu is the copper complex of that tripeptide, used strictly for laboratory research.
How is AHK-Cu different from GHK-Cu?
Both are copper-binding tripeptides, but the first amino acid differs: glycine in GHK-Cu and alanine in AHK-Cu. That change can affect copper binding and behavior in model systems, which is why the two are studied and compared.
How is AHK-Cu verified for research?
Each batch is tested by HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity and ships with a certificate of analysis. Codex Research vials can also be checked by batch number at codexresearchlab.com/verify/.