GHK-Cu

PEPTIDES

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper chelate found in human plasma, saliva, and urine.

⚠️ For Research Use Only — This product is not intended for human consumption. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher.

GHK-Cu Research Peptide Overview

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper chelate found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. As a research compound, GHK-Cu is studied for its role in extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzyme regulation, and gene expression modulation. The copper complex is essential to its biological activity, serving as a cofactor for enzymatic processes involved in tissue maintenance and repair.

What Is GHK-Cu ?

GHK-Cu was first identified by Loren Pickart in the 1970s as a factor in human plasma that promoted hepatocyte function. The tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) chelates copper(II) ions with high affinity, forming a biologically active complex that declines with age in human circulation. Research has demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of thousands of genes, with significant effects on extracellular matrix proteins (collagens, decorin, elastin), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GST), and growth factors. The copper ion serves as a cofactor for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme essential for collagen and elastin crosslinking. Published studies have shown GHK-Cu promotes dermal fibroblast proliferation, increases collagen production, and enhances wound healing in preclinical models (Pickart et al., BioMed Research International, 2015). The peptide’s ability to modulate broad gene expression patterns makes it a unique research tool for studying copper-dependent tissue maintenance.

GHK-Cu Mechanism of Action in Research

GHK-Cu delivers copper(II) ions to cellular systems, supporting the activity of copper-dependent enzymes including lysyl oxidase (collagen/elastin crosslinking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), and cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial electron transport). The peptide modulates gene expression through mechanisms involving MAPK/ERK signaling, TGF-β pathway activation, and integrin-mediated cell signaling. GHK-Cu has been shown to upregulate genes for collagen I, III, and IV, fibronectin, and decorin while downregulating metalloproteinase inhibitors, promoting controlled matrix remodeling.

Key Research Applications & Findings

  • Collagen Synthesis: Research has demonstrated GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast production of collagen types I, III, and IV through TGF-β and integrin signaling.
  • Wound Healing: Published studies have examined GHK-Cu’s effects on dermal wound closure, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix deposition in preclinical models.
  • Antioxidant Regulation: GHK-Cu enhances expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase, providing a model for studying copper-dependent antioxidant defense.
  • Gene Expression Modulation: Microarray studies have identified thousands of genes modulated by GHK-Cu, making it valuable for studying broad transcriptional regulation.

GHK-Cu Compared with Related Peptides

GHK-Cu acts primarily through copper-dependent matrix remodeling and gene expression modulation, distinct from BPC-157 (angiogenesis/NO), TB-4 (actin dynamics/migration), and KPV (NF-κB anti-inflammation). GHK-Cu uniquely leverages copper ion delivery as its core mechanism.

Related products in the Axiom Research Supply catalog: BPC-157, TB-4, KPV.

Research & Handling Guidelines

Reconstitute in sterile water. Protect from oxidation. Store reconstituted solutions at 2–8°C. Lyophilized storage at -20°C. Use copper-compatible containers.

Why Choose Axiom Research Supply?

Axiom Research Supply provides GHK-Cu at ≥98% (HPLC verified), verified through independent HPLC analysis with third-party testing documentation. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control including identity confirmation, purity assessment, and endotoxin testing. Our peptides are properly lyophilized and shipped with cold-chain protocols to maintain stability from production to your laboratory. Axiom Research Supply is committed to advancing metabolic peptide science with precision, reproducibility, and dedicated research support. Access our educational resources including the Axiom Research Supply Metabolic Peptide Research eBook for comprehensive scientific background.

Product Name GHK-Cu
Available Sizes Multiple dosage options available — see product listing
CAS Number 49557-75-7
Molecular Formula C14H23CuN6O4
Molecular Weight 403.92 g/mol
Purity ≥98% (HPLC verified)
Physical Form Lyophilized Powder
Storage Store at -20°C, protect from light and moisture
Peptide Class Copper Peptide Complex
Key Receptor Targets Copper-dependent enzymatic activation; integrin signaling
Research Applications Extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis studies, wound healing models, antioxidant signaling, gene expression modulation
GHK-Cu is used to study copper-dependent matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzyme regulation, and gene expression modulation in preclinical models.
The copper(II) ion is essential to GHK-Cu’s biological activity, serving as a cofactor for copper-dependent enzymes including lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase.
The CAS number for GHK-Cu is 49557-75-7.
GHK-Cu from Axiom Research Supply is for research use only and is not FDA-approved.
Store lyophilized GHK-Cu at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions at 2–8°C. Protect from oxidation.

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