Comparison
GHK-Cu vs AHK-Cu: A Research Comparison
A research-focused comparison of GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu — two copper-binding peptides differing by a single N-terminal residue, distinguished by molecular mass.
Quick Answer
GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu are copper-binding peptides based on closely related short peptide sequences that differ by a single N-terminal residue (glycine versus alanine). This difference changes the molecular mass, which is the signal used to confirm identity by mass spectrometry. They must not be treated as identical.
GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu are two copper-binding peptides studied in laboratory research. Both are identified by a short peptide sequence that coordinates a copper(II) ion, but they differ in their amino acid sequences and therefore in their copper-binding context — a distinction that matters when reading analytical documentation.
This page is a non-promotional scientific reference for researchers. It does not provide therapeutic, anti-ageing, or human-use guidance. Both compounds supplied by Bulk Aussie Peptides are for laboratory research purposes only.
At a Glance
GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). AHK-Cu is the copper complex of a related short peptide, alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (AHK), differing by a single N-terminal residue. Despite the shared copper-binding behaviour, the two are chemically distinct and must not be treated as identical.
Compare the Two Compounds
- Peptide sequence: GHK-Cu is based on the tripeptide GHK; AHK-Cu is based on the related AHK tripeptide.
- Key difference: a single N-terminal residue differs (glycine versus alanine).
- Copper binding: both chelate a copper(II) ion through histidine.
- Shared research area: copper-peptide chemistry and the behaviour of copper-binding peptides in laboratory models.
- Analytical distinction: the two have different molecular masses derived from their different sequences.
Why the Difference Matters in Research
The single-residue difference changes the molecular mass, which is the signal used to confirm identity by mass spectrometry. Correctly distinguishing GHK-Cu from AHK-Cu in documentation therefore depends on precise sequence information rather than the shared presence of copper. Findings remain preclinical.
Analytical Testing
Both are characterised using HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity confirmation. See how to read a peptide Certificate of Analysis.
Individual References
About this page. This article is a non-promotional reference prepared by the Bulk Aussie Peptides research team for educational purposes. It is not medical advice and does not provide dosage, injection, therapeutic, or human-use guidance. Product information is for laboratory research only. How we write and review our research library · Report a correction
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