GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a copper peptide studied for its role in skin remodeling, tissue repair, and cellular signaling. Research examines its influence on collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory processes in laboratory models. It is widely investigated for regenerative and dermatological research applications.
Available Options
Research Context
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) with copper(II). GHK was first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s, where it was identified as a factor that altered the growth behavior of cultured cells; its high affinity for copper ions led to the characterization of the GHK-Cu complex as the predominant form in biological samples. It is classified as a copper-binding peptide and is one of the most extensively published cosmetic and dermatological research peptides.
The research landscape for GHK-Cu is broad but concentrated in preclinical work. In vitro studies in human dermal fibroblasts and other cell culture systems have examined its effects on the expression of extracellular matrix components, including collagen and glycosaminoglycans, as well as on genes involved in antioxidant defense and inflammatory signaling. Gene-expression profiling studies have reported that GHK modulates the expression of a large number of human genes in cell culture, which has driven interest in it as a model compound for studying peptide-mediated gene regulation.
Animal model research, primarily in rodents, has explored GHK-Cu in wound-healing and tissue-remodeling paradigms, examining endpoints such as re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and matrix deposition. Reviews of this literature note consistent effects across multiple model systems, while also emphasizing that much of the published work originates from a small number of research groups.
Open questions in the field include the precise receptor-level mechanisms by which GHK-Cu exerts its observed effects in cell culture, how stability and delivery affect its activity in experimental systems, and how findings from in vitro and animal models translate across experimental contexts. The compound remains an active subject of laboratory investigation in skin biology, connective tissue research, and copper metabolism.
Specifications
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | >=99% (HPLC) |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (GHK), complexed with copper(II) |
| Molecular weight | 402.92 g/mol |
| Storage | Store lyophilized at -20C; refrigerate (2-8C) after reconstitution |
Storage & Handling
Store the lyophilized powder at -20C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2-8C and use promptly. See our peptide reconstitution and storage guide for handling best practices, and the reconstitution calculator for lab preparation math.
Certificate of Analysis
🛡 COA — 100mgRelated Compounds
References
- Pickart L et al. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015. PMID 26236730
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 2008. PMID 18644225
- Pickart L et al. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2012. PMID 22666519