AHK-Cu vs GHK-Cu: comparing two copper tripeptides
AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu are copper(II) complexes of closely related tripeptides. They differ by one amino acid, which makes them a useful pair for structure–activity work in cell models.
Side by side
| GHK-Cu | AHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys | Ala-His-Lys |
| Free peptide | C14H24N6O4, 340.4 g/mol | C15H26N6O4, 354.4 g/mol |
| Copper complex | ≈ 401.9 g/mol | ≈ 415.9 g/mol |
| Origin | Isolated from human plasma (1973) | Synthetic analog |
| Literature | Large: in vitro, animal, reviews | Smaller: mainly cell culture |
The one-residue difference
Both peptides keep the His-Lys motif and bind copper(II) through the N-terminal amino group, the adjacent amide nitrogen and the histidine imidazole. Replacing glycine with alanine adds a methyl side chain at the N-terminus, which changes the molecule’s size and hydrophobicity slightly. Comparing the two helps separate effects of the copper-binding motif from effects of the N-terminal residue.
Published research on AHK-Cu
- A tripeptide-copper complex was studied for its effect on cultured human hair follicles (Pyo et al., Arch. Pharm. Res., 2007).
- AHK and dimeric AHK derivatives were evaluated for proliferation of primary human dermal papilla cells in culture (Jeong, Park & Kim, Bull. Korean Chem. Soc., 2021).
For the much larger GHK-Cu literature, see our GHK-Cu research overview.
Verifying either compound
Because the two differ by only 14 mass units (one CH2 group), mass spectrometry is the clearest way to confirm which peptide is in a vial. Scan the QR code on any LA Peptides vial to open that lot’s certificate of analysis.
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- How to read a certificate of analysis (COA)
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View AHK-Cu and its per-lot certificate of analysis
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This guide summarizes published scientific literature for context. It is not medical advice and does not describe any product as suitable for human use.