GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu Compared
GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu differ at the first residue of the copper-binding peptide. GHK begins with glycine and AHK begins with alanine. Both then contain histidine and lysine. Check the full ligand name before comparing a structural paper, a biological experiment or the amount on a vial. [1] [2]
Compare the named ligands
| Field | GHK-Cu | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide sequence | Gly–His–Lys | Ala–His–Lys |
| Reference evidence used here | GHK copper-coordination structural work | Original AHK-Cu cell and ex vivo study |
| Catalogue relationship | GHK-Cu is listed | No AHK-Cu stock claim |
| Quantity question | Exact supplied complex and mass basis | Would require its own specification if assessed |
Mehr and colleagues attached a GHK sequence to the N-terminus of proteins and examined copper coordination in a crystallography study. Pyo and colleagues studied a different ligand, alanyl–histidyl–lysine complexed with copper(II). The table identifies which molecular record belongs with each experiment. [1] [2]
Research context does not create equivalence
Pyo and colleagues observed elongation in isolated human hair follicles and proliferation in cultured dermal papilla cells exposed to AHK-Cu. Their count of apoptotic cells decreased without reaching statistical significance. The experiments used tissue outside the body and cells in culture. [2]
The GHK-tag experiment addressed copper coordination in crystals. The AHK-Cu study addressed particular biological endpoints. Neither experiment compared the two complexes head to head, so their results cannot rank their effects or support a cosmetic use of the research material.
Mass basis remains essential
If a specification says “50 mg”, check whether it refers to complex mass or to peptide on another stated basis. A copper result alone leaves the peptide quantity open. For an amount-of-substance calculation, use the molar mass that belongs to the specified entity. The copper-binding peptide guide explains the supporting measurements.
Knockout Labs lists GHK-Cu 50 mg. The GHK-Cu molecular profile explains the reference identity, and batch documentation provides the route to ask about the composition of a particular lot. AHK-Cu appears here as a research comparator only.
Follow the comparison
| Resource | Why open it |
|---|---|
| Repair and Tissue Research Peptides | Browse the tissue-research category and its distinct identity questions. |
| Compound Index | Find another molecular profile without confusing it with a vial. |
| Compound Comparisons | Choose a comparison by its specific identity question. |
Sources and scope
- Mehr et al. (2020). GHK copper coordination and protein crystallography. Acta Crystallographica D. Copper coordination studied using GHK as a tag in macromolecular crystallography. Open-access article text (XML).
- Pyo et al. (2007). AHK-Cu in ex vivo follicles and cultured dermal papilla cells. AHK-Cu studied in isolated human follicles and cultured dermal papilla cells. The apoptosis comparison did not reach statistical significance.