GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. Plasma levels of GHK-Cu decline with age, from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60. It has been the subject of extensive research in dermatology, wound biology, and gene expression studies.

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide with a molecular weight of 403.92 g/mol. The copper(II) ion is chelated by the glycine nitrogen, histidine imidazole nitrogen, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His bond, forming a highly stable square-planar coordination complex.

This copper-peptide complex has a high affinity constant for Cu²⁺ (log K = 16.44), ensuring stability under physiological conditions while allowing controlled copper release at tissue sites.

• Dermatological research: Studies have examined GHK-Cu's effects on collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, and dermal fibroblast proliferation in cell culture models (Pickart et al., 2012).
• Gene expression: Connectivity Map analysis identified GHK as modulating expression of 4,000+ human genes, with emphasis on genes associated with tissue remodeling and antioxidant defense (Campbell et al., 2012).
• Wound biology: Preclinical studies have investigated copper peptide effects on wound contraction and re-epithelialization rates.
• Antioxidant research: Studies have examined GHK-Cu's interaction with superoxide dismutase activity and free radical quenching.

• TGF-β and decorin pathway modulation in fibroblast models
• VEGF and FGF-2 upregulation in angiogenesis studies
• SOD and antioxidant gene expression regulation
• Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway interaction
• p63 expression modulation in stem cell models

Pickart et al. (2012) demonstrated that GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis by up to 70% in human dermal fibroblast cultures.

Campbell et al. (2012) used Broad Institute Connectivity Map data to identify GHK as a modulator of genes involved in DNA repair, antioxidant response, and tissue remodeling.

All findings are from in vitro or animal studies.

Form: Lyophilized powder, 5mg per vial
Appearance: Blue to blue-violet powder (characteristic of Cu²⁺ complexes)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water and bacteriostatic water

Testing includes HPLC purity, MS identity, endotoxin, sterility, and ICP-MS copper content verification.

This content was prepared for informational purposes based on published preclinical research. It does not constitute medical advice or product efficacy claims.

1. 1
   Pickart L, et al. "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration." Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. PubMed
2. 2
   Campbell JD, et al. "A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK." Genome Med. 2012;4(8):67. PubMed
3. 3
   Pickart L. "The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling." J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-88. PubMed