AHK-Cu

Product Overview: AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3 / Ala-His-Lys-Cu)

AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a synthetic copper-complexed tripeptide with the sequence Ala-His-Lys-Cu. While structural cousin GHK-Cu is optimized for broad dermal and systemic tissue repair, AHK-Cu is specifically engineered with high selectivity for dermal papilla cells and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. By delivering essential divalent copper ($\text{Cu}^{2+}$) directly to hair follicles and vascular micro-beds, AHK-Cu promotes follicle proliferation, inhibits dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced apoptosis, and stimulates localized micro-angiogenesis in dermatological research models.

Primary Research Applications & Reasons for Study

• Dermal Papilla Proliferation & Anagen Extension: Stimulating human dermal papilla cell proliferation and upregulating Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 (FGF-7) to prolong active follicle growth cycles.
• Follicular Angiogenesis & VEGF Expression: Increasing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production to build dense capillary networks around hair bulbs, ensuring nutrient and oxygen delivery.
• DHT Apoptosis Inhibition: Counteracting androgen-mediated (DHT) apoptotic cascades and downregulating Transforming Growth Factor-beta ($\text{TGF-}\beta$) to prevent premature catagen transition.
• Scalp Extracellular Matrix Synthesis: Driving Type I collagen and elastin deposition in the perifollicular dermis to anchor hair roots and improve tissue elasticity.

Expected Research Results & Timeline Metrics

• Phase 1 / Days 1–7
  Intracellular Copper Delivery & VEGF Spike: Rapid uptake of $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ ions by dermal papilla cells, accompanied by an immediate rise in local VEGF mRNA expression levels.
• Phase 2 / Weeks 2–4
  Follicle Cell Expansion & Capillary Sprouting: Statistically significant reduction in apoptotic dermal papilla markers, enlarged hair follicle bulb dimensions, and increased microvascular density.
• Phase 3 / Weeks 6–12
  Sustained Anagen Phase & Density Shifts: Measurable increases in hair shaft elongation rates, elevated follicular density markers, and thickened perifollicular collagen extracellular matrix.

Key Research Benefits

• Targeted Follicular Selectivity: Specifically tailored sequence (Ala-His-Lys) demonstrates higher relative affinity for hair follicle dermal papilla cells compared to generalized copper peptides.
• Dual Growth & Anti-Apoptotic Mechanism: Simultaneously stimulates pro-growth signaling (VEGF, FGF-7) while blocking cell-death pathways ($\text{TGF-}\beta$).
• Direct Micro-Vascular Driver: Promotes localized capillary sprout formation directly at the capillary-hair bulb interface.
• Premier Alopecia Research Compound: Industry-standard reference control for studying androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and follicular regeneration assays.