Specialized Research

AHK-Cu

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

Quick Answer

How does AHK-Cu support hair follicle biology in research models?

AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-bound tripeptide (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine) that stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation and upregulates VEGF and Bcl-2 expression in cultured follicles. It is distinct from GHK-Cu in amino acid sequence and is investigated specifically for topical hair-growth applications.

PMID23039267↗DOI10.1111/j.1473-2165.2012.00626.x↗⟳ Reconstitution Calculator
Scientific AbstractPMID 23039267 · 2012

AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine copper complex) is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide investigated for effects on hair follicle biology. Research demonstrates that AHK-Cu stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation, the cell population that controls hair follicle growth phase and cycling. Mechanistic studies show upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Bcl-2 expression in dermal papilla cells, supporting hair follicle survival and angiogenesis. AHK-Cu is structurally related to GHK-Cu but with a distinct amino acid sequence and is investigated specifically for topical hair-growth applications.

Source:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2012.00626.x
Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-bound tripeptide (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine) investigated for topical hair-growth applications.

Mechanism of Action

AHK-Cu stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation — the follicular cell population that drives the hair growth cycle. Mechanistic effects include upregulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and Bcl-2 in dermal papilla cells, supporting follicular angiogenesis and cell survival.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Dermal papilla cell proliferation in cultured follicle models
  • VEGF and Bcl-2 upregulation supporting follicle vascularization and survival
  • Distinct from GHK-Cu in amino acid composition and tissue specificity
  • Topical formulation focus for hair-thinning research
Clinical Research ParametersHuman Study Registry

No registered clinical trials or indexed human study data currently available for AHK-Cu via ClinicalTrials.gov or PubMed. This compound may be at preclinical or early research stages.

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Research Compliance Notice

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. AHK-Cu is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 23039267) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.

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