GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide made of three amino acids (glycine, histidine, and lysine). It’s best known for its role in skin, collagen, and tissue-repair research, and the copper it carries is what sets it apart from other peptides.

It also has a strong research base, with studies looking at how it interacts with cell signaling and the extracellular matrix (Pickart & Margolina, 2018). That’s why it shows up so often as a reference peptide in this kind of work.

Research Applications

• Collagen and connective-tissue research
• Cell-signaling and communication studies
• Copper-peptide and copper-binding research
• Cosmetic and skin-research models

Supplied as a lyophilized powder for stability.

See also: Epitalon, Snap-8, and MOTS-c.

Scientific Background

GHK was first identified in human plasma and later recognized for its strong affinity for copper ions. The GHK-Cu complex naturally occurs in tissues and fluids, where it participates in signaling pathways related to cellular-response research. Levels of GHK decline with age, which has led to scientific interest in its role in age-related loss of tissue cellular-pathway capacity.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that GHK-Cu can influence the expression of a wide range of genes involved in cell growth, antioxidant defense, inflammatory signaling control, and extracellular matrix organization. These properties have positioned GHK-Cu as an important research compound in studies of cellular-process signaling, skin aging, and connective tissue biology.

GHK-Cu Structure

Peptide Class: Copper-binding tripeptide
Amino Acid Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (GHK)
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺
Molecular Weight: ~402.9 g/mol
CAS Number: 89030-95-5

$21

$22