GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that has been studied extensively in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory research. This overview covers its biochemistry, published findings, and laboratory specifications for qualified researchers.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys (GHK), first isolated from human plasma albumin by Pickart and Thaler in 1973. The peptide-copper complex is detectable in plasma at concentrations of approximately 200 ng/mL in healthy young adults, declining with age — a pattern that has made it a subject of aging biology research. GHK alone has moderate copper affinity, but as the Cu²⁺ chelate it acquires distinct biological activities not seen with either component alone. The complex is amphipathic, enabling membrane interaction and cellular uptake, and has been shown to modulate gene expression in dermal fibroblast models at sub-nanomolar concentrations.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu operates through multiple converging pathways. In fibroblast models, it stimulates collagen I, III, and IV synthesis while simultaneously upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), enabling remodeling of damaged extracellular matrix. Gene expression studies using Affymetrix arrays (Pickart et al., 2012) identified GHK-Cu as a regulator of over 4,000 genes, with enrichment in pathways governing tissue remodeling, antioxidant response, and DNA repair. NF-κB inhibition has been documented in keratinocyte models, contributing to anti-inflammatory activity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) upregulation in dermal models supports observed angiogenic effects in wound healing assays.
Published Research Highlights
Pickart and Thaler’s original 1973 characterization in Nature New Biology established GHK as an albumin-bound copper-transport peptide. Subsequent work by Maquart et al. (J Invest Dermatol 1993) demonstrated collagen synthesis stimulation in human fibroblast cultures. Wegrowski et al. documented glycosaminoglycan production upregulation in dermis models. Researchers have used GHK-Cu to probe copper chaperone pathways, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) loading mechanisms, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulation. Recent transcriptomic analysis has positioned GHK-Cu as a potential oncostatic probe compound, with documented downregulation of metastasis-associated gene networks in cancer cell line research.
Research Use Only. GHK-Cu is supplied by Bastion Peptides strictly for in vitro and laboratory research purposes. Not for human or veterinary use.
Laboratory Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 403.91 Da |
| Structure | Gly-His-Lys tripeptide with Cu²⁺ chelate |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Third-Party COA | Janoshik Analytical — available on request |
| Storage | −20°C; light-sensitive — store in amber vial or foil-wrapped |
| Appearance | Blue to blue-green powder (copper complex) |
Reconstitution Protocol
Reconstitute GHK-Cu in sterile water or PBS at pH 7.0–7.4 to preserve copper coordination. Avoid EDTA-containing buffers, which will chelate copper from the complex. Typical research concentrations range from 1–10 mg/mL depending on assay system. Protect from light during storage and handling — the copper complex is photosensitive. Store reconstituted solution at 4°C and use within 7 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution as copper re-coordination can be disrupted by repeated freeze-thaw.
Available Formats
Bastion Peptides supplies GHK-Cu at 50mg per vial, HPLC verified to ≥99% purity with Janoshik COA per batch. View current inventory in the shop.
For research use only. Not approved for human therapeutic use. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable local regulations.
