Description
CUPRA is a defined research blend combining two structurally related copper-binding tripeptides: AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys copper complex) at 30% and GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys copper complex) at 70%. The two compounds share the His-Lys C-terminal dipeptide and a copper coordination mechanism, but differ at the N-terminal residue. GHK-Cu uses glycine; AHK-Cu substitutes alanine. This single amino acid difference produces distinct receptor interaction profiles and tissue research applications. GHK-Cu has an extensive published research base covering extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis regulation, and TIMP-mediated MMP inhibition. AHK-Cu has a more focused research profile centered on perifollicular vascular biology and VEGF-mediated signaling in dermal papilla cell models. The blend addresses both mechanistic dimensions simultaneously, making it a tool for specialty research peptide studies where copper peptide vascular and ECM signaling are studied in the same experimental model.
Chemical Information
AHK-Cu Component (30%):
- Chemical Name: Ala-His-Lys copper complex
- Sequence: Ala-His-Lys
- Molecular Weight: ~415 Da (copper complex)
GHK-Cu Component (70%):
- Chemical Name: Gly-His-Lys copper complex (Copper Tripeptide-1)
- Sequence: Gly-His-Lys
- Molecular Formula: C14H24N6O4Cu
- Molecular Weight: 401.9 g/mol
- Appearance: Blue powder (characteristic of copper coordination)
Blend:
- Ratio: AHK-Cu 30% / GHK-Cu 70%
- Production: Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS); copper coordination post-synthesis
Applications
- Comparative copper peptide signaling research. AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu engage overlapping but distinct signaling profiles; the blend enables simultaneous study of both in a single experimental condition, while single-compound controls isolate each compound’s individual contribution
- Extracellular matrix biology. GHK-Cu component drives collagen synthesis regulation, decorin upregulation, and TIMP-1/TIMP-2 induction, which inhibit MMP-mediated ECM degradation; relevant in wound biology and connective tissue remodeling research models
- Perifollicular vascular signaling. AHK-Cu component is studied for VEGF production stimulation and perifollicular microvascular density in dermal papilla cell models; at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations, AHK-Cu has demonstrated dermal papilla cell proliferation effects in ex vivo hair follicle models
- TGF-beta1 pathway research. Both components have been associated with TGF-beta1 modulation in dermal fibroblast models; TGF-beta1 suppression is studied in the context of fibrosis regulation and follicular biology
- Copper transport and coordination chemistry. Both peptides coordinate Cu2+ through the His imidazole nitrogen; researchers studying copper transport mechanisms and peptide-metal coordination use these compounds as defined model systems
- Dose-response characterization. AHK-Cu exhibits biphasic dose-response behavior in ex vivo models, with stimulatory effects at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations and inhibitory effects at higher concentrations; researchers designing protocols with this blend need to account for this concentration sensitivity
Storage and Handling
Store as lyophilized powder at -20C for long-term stability, or at 2-8C for short-term use. Protect from light; copper peptide complexes are light-sensitive. The characteristic blue color of the lyophilized powder confirms copper coordination and does not indicate contamination. Reconstitute in sterile water or bacteriostatic water immediately before use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and prolonged exposure to high pH conditions, which can disrupt copper coordination.
Compliance Notice
CUPRA is for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use and carries no therapeutic, diagnostic, or clinical indication. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms that they will follow appropriate institutional safety procedures and use it exclusively for controlled research.
