GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It is one of the most extensively studied peptides in wound healing, tissue remodelling, and cellular senescence research, with over 60 years of published scientific literature.
GHK-CU
Dispatch
48h factory
Form
Lyophilized
MOQ
10 vials
Suppliers
Multi-source
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide-copper complex first identified by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973. The peptide sequence Gly-His-Lys naturally binds copper(II) ions with high affinity, forming a stable complex that has been measured in human blood plasma at concentrations of approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults.
Published research has reported that plasma levels of GHK-Cu decline with age (from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60), which has made the molecule a focus of regenerative-research literature investigating tissue-remodelling pathways. Findings reported below describe outcomes in published in-vitro and animal-model studies and do not constitute human-use claims.
Transcriptomic studies in cultured human fibroblasts have reported modulation of a broad set of genes by GHK-Cu, with reported effects on pathways associated with collagen synthesis, antioxidant response and extracellular matrix remodelling. Peptx supplies research-grade GHK-Cu from vetted manufacturers (independent ISO 17025 lab testing and community feedback) as a research reference material only.
Mechanism of Action (Published Research)
GHK-Cu has been characterised in published in-vitro and preclinical research through several interconnected mechanisms involving copper delivery, gene expression modulation, and growth factor signalling.
Copper Delivery
The GHK tripeptide has been characterised as a copper chaperone in published in-vitro work, delivering Cu(II) ions to cells where copper is an essential cofactor for enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysyl oxidase, and cytochrome c oxidase.
Gene Expression
Transcriptomic research has reported that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of a broad set of genes in cultured fibroblasts, with reported upregulation of genes associated with tissue-repair pathways and reported downregulation of genes linked to inflammatory cascades.
Extracellular Matrix Research
Published in-vitro work has reported that GHK-Cu modulates collagen I, III, and elastin synthesis in cultured dermal fibroblasts, along with reported effects on glycosaminoglycan production and extracellular matrix component expression.
Research Applications
- Skin Biology: Studying the effects on dermal fibroblast collagen production, elastin synthesis, and extracellular matrix remodelling in skin aging models.
- Wound Healing: Investigating copper peptide-mediated acceleration of wound closure, angiogenesis, and nerve regeneration in tissue injury models.
- Cellular Senescence Research: Examining the age-related decline in GHK-Cu levels and its correlation with tissue repair capacity and gene expression changes.
- Hair Biology: Studying the effects on hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla function in research models.
- Antioxidant Defence: Investigating copper delivery to SOD and other metalloenzymes involved in oxidative stress protection and cellular redox balance.
Storage, Handling, and Reconstitution
Long-Term Storage
Store unreconstituted GHK-Cu at -20°C protected from light and moisture. The copper complex is stable for 24+ months under these conditions.
Short-Term Storage
Unreconstituted vials may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 90 days during active research use.
Reconstitution
GHK-Cu is highly soluble in water. Reconstitute with sterile water or appropriate buffer. The solution will have a characteristic blue-green colour from the copper complex.
Post-Reconstitution
Store at 2-8°C and use within 28 days. The copper complex provides additional stability compared to unbound peptides.
For laboratory handling and storage information, see our research equipment overview.
Quality Assurance
Peptx sources all GHK-CU exclusively from vetted manufacturers, gauged on independent testing at accredited ISO 17025 labs plus active community feedback, all maintaining rigorous internal quality control.
Multi-source vetted suppliers
Suppliers are vetted across multiple signals: independent ISO 17025 lab testing and live community feedback.
48 Hour Dispatch
Orders dispatched within 48 hours from the factory with full tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions About GHK-CU
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GHK-CU is sold by Peptx strictly for laboratory and research purposes only. It is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, food additive, or cosmetic applications. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms it will be used exclusively for qualified scientific research.