Description
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a small copper-complexed tripeptide composed of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a copper(II) ion. First isolated from human plasma in 1973, the GHK sequence occurs naturally in plasma, saliva, and urine, with concentrations that decline with age. The histidine residue forms a high-affinity copper coordination site, producing a stable metallopeptide supplied as lyophilized powder for research.
How GHK-Cu works (research context)
In laboratory models GHK-Cu acts as a copper-delivery and gene-modulating molecule. The tripeptide chelates Cu2+ with high affinity and exchanges it with cellular acceptors, influencing copper-dependent enzymes such as lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Transcriptomic studies report that GHK shifts expression of large gene sets governing collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycan, and metalloproteinase production, plus antioxidant and DNA-repair pathways.
Research applications
- In-vitro studies of matrix remodeling, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts
- Investigation of copper-dependent enzyme activity and trace-metal homeostasis
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory gene-expression profiling
- Reference standard for copper-peptide coordination chemistry
Key facts
- Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys complexed with copper(II)
- Endogenous to human plasma; first isolated in 1973
- Histidine imidazole provides the primary high-affinity Cu2+ site
- Offered in 50mg and 100mg research strengths
Product specifications
- Class: Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide complex (matrikine)
- Also known as: Copper Tripeptide-1; Copper Peptide; Cu-GHK
- Form: Lyophilized powder vial
- Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC verified)
- Testing: Independent third-party HPLC + mass spectrometry
- Documentation: Certificate of analysis per batch
- Storage: Store lyophilized at -20C protected from light; reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2-8C and used short-term.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes.
Yusuf Demir (verified owner) –
Reconstituted clean, no precipitate. COA on every batch. Great for our dermal fibroblast studies.
Dr. Sloane Carter (verified owner) –
GHK-Cu showed the characteristic deep blue on reconstitution — copper coordination intact. COA confirmed purity and copper content. Fibroblast collagen-expression assays were clean.
Dr. Inara Bose (verified owner) –
Copper content matched the certificate on ICP analysis. Excellent reference for copper-peptide coordination work.
K. Fontaine (verified owner) –
Nice purity and the blue color was uniform. Packaging protected the powder well and shipping was prompt. Consistent every order.
Mateo Rivas (verified owner) –
Consistent copper-tripeptide material lot to lot. Our matrix-remodeling gene-expression panel reproduced beautifully. Reliable source.