AHK-Cu (200MG)

What Is AHK-Cu and Why Buy It for Research?

Buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland for research into dermal papilla cell biology, hair follicle elongation, and copper-peptide signaling mechanisms. Specifically, AHK-Cu (also known as Copper Tripeptide-3, Ala-His-Lys-Cu²⁺, or AHK Copper) is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide composed of three amino acids (alanine, histidine, and lysine) complexed with a copper(II) ion. Structurally, it is a close analog of the well-known tissue-remodeling peptide GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys-Cu²⁺), with a glycine-to-alanine substitution at the first position that enhances its specificity for hair follicle research applications.

In scientific research, AHK-Cu serves as a molecular tool for studying copper-mediated signaling pathways, dermal papilla cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Researchers consider this copper tripeptide particularly valuable for investigating the mechanisms underlying hair follicle growth and angiogenesis. Furthermore, Core Peptides supplies AHK-Cu as a lyophilized powder in a 200mg format exclusively for laboratory use. Therefore, researchers seeking to source this compound for their work will find it readily available through trusted suppliers.

AHK-Cu Research Overview: Buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland for Hair Follicle Studies

Centrally, research into AHK-Cu has focused on its function as a copper-delivery peptide that modulates key growth factors in dermal papilla cells. Endogenously, dermal papilla cells are specialized fibroblasts located at the base of hair follicles that play a critical role in hair morphogenesis and growth. AHK-Cu interacts with these cells by delivering bioavailable copper ions and influencing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, also known as FGF-7).

Notably, research has demonstrated that AHK-Cu stimulates the elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo and promotes the proliferation of cultured dermal papilla cells in vitro. Furthermore, AHK-Cu has been shown to decrease the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), a cytokine involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation. Accordingly, researchers can buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland from Core Peptides to support their investigations into hair follicle biology, dermal papilla cell signaling, and copper-mediated regenerative mechanisms.

How Does AHK-Cu Work in Research?

Mechanistically, AHK-Cu’s proposed action involves functioning as a copper(II)-binding tripeptide that delivers bioavailable copper to target cells. The peptide forms a stable complex with copper(II) ions through coordination with the histidine imidazole ring and the peptide backbone nitrogen atoms. This stable complex facilitates the transport of copper into cells, where it serves as a cofactor for several copper-dependent enzymes, including lysyl oxidase (for collagen cross-linking), tyrosinase (for melanin production), and superoxide dismutase (for antioxidant defense).

Following cellular uptake, AHK-Cu modulates the expression of key growth factors in dermal papilla cells. Specifically, it upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates angiogenesis and improves blood supply to hair follicles. Additionally, it increases keratinocyte growth factor (KGF/FGF-7), which promotes hair matrix cell proliferation and extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Consequently, these growth factor modulations contribute to enhanced nutrient delivery, improved follicular structural support, and increased hair follicle elongation.

Furthermore, AHK-Cu influences apoptotic pathways in dermal papilla cells. Treatment with AHK-Cu at 10⁻⁹ M elevated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduced the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, suggesting that the peptide may help preclude apoptosis in these cells. This anti-apoptotic effect, combined with its proliferative stimulation, supports the maintenance of healthy hair follicle function. In addition, AHK-Cu activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in dermal papilla cells, which plays a crucial role in hair follicle neogenesis and regeneration.

Why Is AHK-Cu Studied in Switzerland?

Primarily, researchers study AHK-Cu because it represents a well-characterized copper-binding tripeptide that enables investigation of dermal papilla cell biology, hair follicle growth mechanisms, and copper-mediated signaling pathways. In fact, this compound offers a focused tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of hair follicle elongation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling.

In vitro studies have demonstrated that AHK-Cu stimulates the elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo at concentrations ranging from 10⁻¹² M to 10⁻⁹ M. Additionally, it promotes the proliferation of cultured dermal papilla cells, making it a valuable research tool for investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying hair growth. Importantly, AHK-Cu has been reported to be more potent than GHK-Cu specifically for hair growth stimulation, as it produces greater VEGF and KGF upregulation in dermal papilla cells. Ultimately, researchers can buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland to access a research tool that may help uncover mechanisms underlying hair follicle biology, dermal papilla cell signaling, and copper-mediated regenerative processes.

AHK-Cu Research Areas in Laboratory Studies

Research Area	Focus	Evidence Level
Hair Follicle Biology	Ex vivo hair follicle elongation, anagen phase maintenance	Ex Vivo / In Vitro
Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation	Cell growth, viability, proliferation assays	In Vitro
Growth Factor Modulation	VEGF upregulation, KGF/FGF-7 stimulation, TGF-β1 decrease	Mechanistic / In Vitro
Apoptosis Research	Bcl-2/Bax ratio, caspase-3, PARP cleavage	Mechanistic / In Vitro
Copper Delivery and Signaling	Copper ion coordination, enzyme cofactor functions	Mechanistic
Extracellular Matrix Remodeling	Collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity, matrix protein turnover	Mechanistic / In Vitro
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling	Hair follicle neogenesis, regenerative pathways	Emerging Research

AHK-Cu Compared With Related Research Compounds

Compound	Research Focus	Mechanism / Target	Key Difference
AHK-Cu	Hair follicle research, dermal papilla cells	Copper delivery, VEGF/KGF modulation	Ala substitution; enhanced hair follicle specificity
GHK-Cu	Skin remodeling, wound healing, anti-aging	Copper delivery, ECM remodeling	Glycine at position 1; broader skin applications
BPC-157	Tissue healing, angiogenesis	Growth factor modulation	Different mechanism; no copper binding
TB-500	Tissue repair, wound healing	Actin binding, cell migration	Different mechanism; no copper involvement

Comparatively, AHK-Cu differs from GHK-Cu in its amino acid composition and research applications. On the one hand, GHK-Cu features glycine at the first position and is studied primarily for broader skin remodeling, wound healing, and anti-aging applications. On the other hand, AHK-Cu substitutes alanine for glycine, which enhances its specificity for hair follicle stimulation, making it the preferred copper peptide for hair growth research. In contrast, BPC-157 and TB-500 operate through entirely different mechanisms unrelated to copper delivery, focusing instead on growth factor modulation and actin-mediated cell migration, respectively.

Research Applications for AHK-Cu in Switzerland

Scientists have investigated AHK-Cu across several research domains:

• Hair Follicle Research: Researchers use AHK-Cu to study ex vivo hair follicle elongation, dermal papilla cell proliferation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying hair growth.
• Dermal Papilla Cell Biology: Investigations have explored AHK-Cu’s effects on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis in cultured dermal papilla cells.
• Growth Factor Modulation Studies: AHK-Cu serves as a tool for studying VEGF upregulation, KGF/FGF-7 stimulation, and TGF-β1 downregulation in fibroblast and dermal papilla cell models.
• Copper Delivery and Signaling: The compound is used to investigate copper ion coordination, copper-dependent enzyme functions, and metal-peptide complex stability.
• Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: Studies have examined AHK-Cu’s effects on collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity, and matrix protein turnover.
• Apoptosis and Cell Survival Research: AHK-Cu is used to study Bcl-2/Bax ratios, caspase-3 activation, and PARP cleavage in dermal papilla cells.

Evidently, researchers can buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland for these applications, as it is a valuable addition to any laboratory toolkit focused on hair follicle biology, dermal papilla cell signaling, and copper-mediated regenerative research.

AHK-Cu Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)
Alternative Names	Copper Tripeptide-3, Ala-His-Lys-Cu²⁺, AHK Copper, L-Alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺
Amount	200mg
Form	Lyophilized powder (light blue to blue solid)
Purity	Not verified (≥98% purity reported by some suppliers)
Amino Acid Sequence	Ala-His-Lys-Cu²⁺ (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine with copper(II) ion)
Sequence Short	AH-(Lys-Cu)
Molecular Formula	C₁₅H₂₄CuN₆O₄ (varies by source)
Molecular Weight	415.93 g/mol (varies by source)
CAS Number	767286-83-9 (varies by source; alternative 682809-81-0 reported)
Research Category	Skin, Hair & Beauty / Cellular Research & Signaling
Research Use	Laboratory research use only
CoA	Available upon request (not verified)
Storage	Lyophilized powder should be stored desiccated at -20°C or below

How to Evaluate AHK-Cu Quality for Research

When sourcing AHK-Cu copper peptide for laboratory research, researchers should consider several quality indicators:

• Identity Confirmation: Analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry should confirm the compound’s molecular weight (approximately 415.93 g/mol) and copper-peptide complex structure.
• Purity Assessment: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can provide information about peptide purity.
• NMR Confirmation: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy should confirm consistency with the expected structure.
• Batch Traceability: Lot numbers and batch information enable researchers to track specific production runs.
• Certificate of Analysis: A CoA should accompany the product, detailing analytical testing results.
• Labeling Accuracy: Proper labeling should clearly indicate the product name, amount, sequence, and storage recommendations.
• Storage Conditions: Appropriate storage at -20°C or below in desiccated conditions helps maintain compound stability.

Understanding the Certificate of Analysis

Typically, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) accompanies research copper peptides and provides information about the specific batch’s analytical testing. For example, a CoA may include product identity confirmation, purity percentage as determined by HPLC, batch or lot number for traceability, analytical methods used (e.g., mass spectrometry, NMR), and a physical description of the product.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that a CoA does not establish safety, efficacy, therapeutic effectiveness, or suitability for human use. Instead, it serves as a quality control document that helps researchers verify the identity and purity of the compound they are using in their laboratory investigations.

Storage and Stability of AHK-Cu

Core Peptides supplies AHK-Cu as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. To maintain stability and integrity:

• Store the lyophilized powder desiccated at -20°C or below for long-term storage (up to 3 years)
• Store at 4°C for up to 2 years if frequent access is required
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
• Reconstitute only immediately before use with appropriate sterile solvents
• Gently swirl to dissolve; do not vortex
• Filter sterilize if required (e.g., 0.22 µm) immediately prior to use
• Store reconstituted solutions at -80°C for up to 6 months or at -20°C for up to 1 month
• Protect from light and moisture

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland

What is AHK-Cu?

Specifically, AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide with the sequence Ala-His-Lys complexed with a copper(II) ion. It is a close analog of GHK-Cu with an alanine substitution at the first position.

What is AHK-Cu researched for?

Primarily, researchers study AHK-Cu for its role in hair follicle biology, dermal papilla cell proliferation, and growth factor modulation. Studies have investigated its effects on VEGF and KGF upregulation, ex vivo hair follicle elongation, and extracellular matrix remodeling.

How does AHK-Cu work?

Mechanistically, AHK-Cu functions by delivering bioavailable copper ions to target cells and modulating the expression of key growth factors such as VEGF and KGF in dermal papilla cells. It also influences apoptotic pathways by elevating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reducing cleaved caspase-3 levels.

What is the amino acid sequence of AHK-Cu?

The amino acid sequence is Ala-His-Lys-Cu²⁺ (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine with a copper(II) ion).

What is the molecular weight of AHK-Cu?

The molecular weight is approximately 415.93 g/mol (varies by source and salt form).

What is the CAS number of AHK-Cu?

Not verified. Reported CAS numbers include 767286-83-9 and 682809-81-0.

Is AHK-Cu synthetic?

Yes, AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-peptide complex produced through solid-phase peptide synthesis.

What is the difference between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu has an alanine substitution at the first position (instead of glycine in GHK-Cu), which enhances its specificity for hair follicle stimulation. AHK-Cu produces greater VEGF and KGF upregulation in dermal papilla cells, making it the preferred copper peptide for hair growth research.

What research exists on AHK-Cu?

Research on AHK-Cu includes a 2007 study published in the Archives of Pharmacal Research demonstrating that AHK-Cu stimulates human hair follicle elongation ex vivo and dermal papilla cell proliferation in vitro at concentrations ranging from 10⁻¹² M to 10⁻⁹ M. Additional studies have investigated its effects on VEGF, KGF, TGF-β1, and apoptotic pathways.

Is AHK-Cu approved as a medicine?

No. Regulatory authorities have not approved AHK-Cu as a medicine, pharmaceutical, or therapeutic agent.

Is AHK-Cu intended for human use?

No. AHK-Cu is intended for laboratory research use only and is not for human consumption, injection, or therapeutic application.

Where can I buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland?

You can buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland from Core Peptides, a trusted research peptide supplier serving the Swiss scientific community.

How should researchers evaluate AHK-Cu quality?

Researchers should look for identity confirmation via mass spectrometry, purity data from HPLC, NMR consistency, batch traceability, and a Certificate of Analysis.

Related Research Compounds

Researchers interested in AHK-Cu may also find the following related compounds relevant to their work:

• GHK-Cu — The parent copper peptide with glycine at position 1, researched for skin remodeling, wound healing, and anti-aging applications.
• BPC-157 — A peptide researched for tissue healing, gastrointestinal health, and angiogenesis.
• TB-500 — A Thymosin Beta 4 fragment researched for tissue repair and wound healing.
• KPV — An anti-inflammatory peptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.

Explore Skin, Hair & Beauty

AHK-Cu belongs to the Skin, Hair & Beauty category of research compounds. Skin, Hair & Beauty products are studied for their potential roles in hair follicle biology, dermal regeneration, and tissue remodeling. Generally, researchers who buy AHK-Cu 200mg in Switzerland often pair it with related compounds in this category to explore complementary pathways in hair growth research and copper-mediated regenerative mechanisms.

Explore Cellular Research & Signaling

Researchers studying copper-mediated signaling pathways, growth factor modulation, and apoptotic mechanisms may also find relevant compounds in the Cellular Research & Signaling category. AHK-Cu’s interactions with VEGF, KGF, TGF-β1, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway make it a valuable tool for investigating fundamental cellular signaling processes.

Further Research

For researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of AHK-Cu and its research applications, the following areas may warrant further investigation:

• The relationship between AHK-Cu-mediated copper delivery and specific downstream signaling pathways in dermal papilla cells
• Comparative studies between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu in various hair follicle and skin research models
• The potential role of AHK-Cu in modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and hair follicle neogenesis
• Mechanistic studies on AHK-Cu’s interaction with copper-dependent enzymes such as lysyl oxidase, tyrosinase, and superoxide dismutase
• Exploration of AHK-Cu’s effects on different cell types and tissue systems beyond hair follicle biology

Research Disclaimer

AHK-Cu is a research compound supplied for laboratory research use only. Researchers must not use it for human consumption, injection, or any form of therapeutic application. Moreover, this product is not a medicine, pharmaceutical, or medical device. Furthermore, Swissmedic, the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority have not approved it for human use. Researchers should consult Swissmedic for applicable regulations and guidance on research compound handling in Switzerland.

Generally, the information provided on this page is for educational and scientific reference purposes only. Therefore, it does not constitute medical advice, treatment recommendations, or dosing instructions. Ultimately, researchers bear the responsibility for ensuring that their use of this product complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional guidelines.

Finally, all research involving copper peptides should be conducted by qualified personnel in appropriate laboratory settings with proper safety protocols.