GHK-Cu

Description

Overview

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys). First isolated from human plasma, the GHK sequence displays a high binding affinity for copper(II) ions, forming a stable, square-planar coordinated complex. G Peptide Labs supplies GHK-Cu as a research-grade reference material intended strictly for in-vitro and other laboratory investigation. It is not a drug, cosmetic, dietary supplement, or article for human or veterinary use.

This listing describes a well-characterized copper tripeptide widely referenced in the biochemical and dermatological research literature as a model compound for studying copper delivery, extracellular matrix biology, and gene-expression modulation in cell-culture systems.

Research Context

GHK-Cu has been the subject of decades of preclinical and in-vitro study. Investigators use it as a tool compound to explore how a copper-binding peptide interacts with cultured cells and tissue models. Reported areas of laboratory interest include:

• Modulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures, where the copper complex has been studied as a stimulator of matrix protein production.
• Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans, including decorin, in preclinical wound models.
• Broad gene-expression profiling, in which GHK has been examined in the context of tissue-remodeling, antioxidant, and inflammation-related transcriptional pathways.
• Comparative studies of the copper-bound complex versus the metal-free peptide to isolate the contribution of chelated copper.

All such findings are framed here solely as observations from cell-culture systems, animal models, and other preclinical work. G Peptide Labs makes no representation regarding effects in humans.

Mechanism of Interest

The research interest in GHK-Cu centers on its role as a copper carrier. In the complex, the copper(II) ion is coordinated by the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the alpha-amino nitrogen of glycine, and a deprotonated peptide-bond amide nitrogen, with an additional carboxylate contact from a neighboring lysine. This coordination geometry is thought to influence how the peptide participates in copper exchange within experimental buffers and culture media.

In laboratory models, researchers investigate GHK-Cu as a modulator of extracellular matrix turnover, examining both the synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and the balance between matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. Additional preclinical work has explored its behavior as a putative transcriptional modulator across large gene sets in cultured cells.

Specifications

• Sequence: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper(II)
• Molecular formula: C14H22CuN6O4 (copper complex)
• Molecular weight: approximately 401.9 g/mol (copper complex); 340.38 g/mol for the free GHK tripeptide
• CAS number: 89030-95-5 (GHK-Cu complex); 49557-75-7 (free GHK tripeptide)
• Appearance: blue to blue-violet powder, consistent with the copper(II) coordination complex
• Purity: 99%+ as determined by HPLC; verified by third-party analysis
• Format: lyophilized powder supplied in size-specific vials
• Grade: research use only (RUO)

Handling, Reconstitution & Storage

The following are general laboratory handling notes for the reference material and are not directions for any use in humans or animals.

• Store the sealed, lyophilized vial at -20°C, protected from light and moisture, until preparation.
• For reconstitution in the laboratory, sterile or bacteriostatic water is commonly used; the copper complex is water-soluble. Introduce solvent slowly against the vial wall and allow the powder to dissolve without vigorous agitation.
• Because GHK-Cu is a copper-coordinated species, researchers should account for potential interactions with strong chelators or reducing agents present in their buffer systems.
• After reconstitution, aliquot and store at 2–8°C for short-term laboratory work or at -20°C for longer storage to limit freeze-thaw cycles.
• Record reconstitution date and concentration; avoid repeated freeze-thaw of working solutions.

Quality & Verification

Every batch of GHK-Cu is accompanied by a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA documents identity and purity via analytical methods such as HPLC and mass spectrometry, allowing researchers to confirm the material against the specifications above before use. G Peptide Labs is a Canadian supplier and ships domestically across Canada. This product is intended exclusively for legitimate laboratory research and is not for human consumption, therapeutic application, or any in-vivo use in people.

Selected Research

Peer-reviewed references provided for scientific context; they describe laboratory and preclinical findings only.

1. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Letters Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP (1988). PMID: 3169264
2. Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+). The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Simeon A, Wegrowski Y, Bontemps Y, Maquart FX (2000). PMID: 11121126
3. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A (2015). PMID: 26236730
4. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences Pickart L, Margolina A (2018). PMID: 29986520