AHK-Cu

Copper peptide AHK-Cu in cell research

AHK-Cu joins the short tripeptide AHK with divalent copper in a stable complex. In dermatology and hair research it acts as a defined copper carrier for mapping pathways in fibroblasts, keratinocytes and follicle cells in vitro. Eurolabs supplies the peptide as a lyophilized powder in a 10-vial box with 100 mg per vial. Laboratories that buy AHK-Cu receive the copper tripeptide for skin models at 100 mg per vial.

Mechanism of action

Copper peptides such as AHK-Cu deliver bioavailable copper to cell cultures and influence extracellular matrix enzymes, including lysyl oxidase and matrix metalloproteinases. Fibroblast assays examine how the complex directs collagen I expression, proline hydroxylation and cell migration. In the hair follicle, work focuses on growth factor interaction and the redox state of bulge cells. AHK-Cu serves as a reference substance for comparable measurement of copper-dependent transcription and signaling through TGF-beta and MAPK.

In vitro use

Laboratories apply AHK-Cu in monolayer cultures of human dermal fibroblasts to read collagen and elastin markers by qPCR or Western blot. Three-dimensional skin models and hair follicle organoids allow structural readouts such as fiber density and follicle length at defined concentration steps. Copper release experiments compare AHK-Cu with other copper chelators by cellular copper content. Dilution series prepared from the lyophilizate support concentration-response curves in migration and proliferation assays.

• Fibroblasts: collagen I, proline hydroxylation, migration
• Hair follicle models: bulge pathways, growth factor co-stimulation
• Matrix assays: lysyl oxidase activity, MMP profiles
• Copper tracing: cellular copper uptake versus reference chelators

Specification

Reconstitution and handling

The lyophilizate is reconstituted in the laboratory with a suitable sterile solvent. Solvent is added slowly along the vessel wall, then mixed gently until no visible particles remain. Copper peptides in solution are more sensitive to oxidation and light, so the preparation is moved into assays promptly and kept away from direct light until use. Final concentration and volume are set in the laboratory protocol.

Quality and analytics

Each batch is tested by HPLC for a purity of ≥99 %. Identity testing confirms the AHK sequence and copper complexation. Results are recorded per batch and apply to the 100 mg vial strength in the 10-vial box. This analytical basis supports reproducible series in fibroblast and follicle experiments and comparison across laboratory runs.

Available amounts per vial: 50 mg, 100 mg. Box of 10 vials.