GHK-Cu — Copper Tripeptide Complex
Skin & Connective Tissue Research Peptide · 100mg Research Vial
Available Formats
Vial
Lyophilised powder vial offering full flexibility in reconstitution volume and concentration.
Cartridge (Reusable Pen)
Pre-filled replacement cartridge compatible with standard reusable research pens. Pen sold separately.
Disposable Pen
Fully pre-loaded, self-contained research pen. Ready to use directly from packaging.
Compound Overview
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper chelate first identified in human plasma by Pickart and Thaler (1973). The GHK motif binds copper(II) ions with high affinity, forming a stable 1:1 complex. Endogenous GHK-Cu is found in plasma, saliva, and urine, with circulating levels reported to decline with age.
GHK-Cu has been the subject of over four decades of published research, spanning the fields of wound biology, extracellular matrix remodelling, and copper-dependent enzyme regulation.
Mechanism of Action
Research has identified several molecular pathways associated with GHK-Cu activity in preclinical models:
Extracellular Matrix Modulation: In vitro studies have demonstrated GHK-Cu influences the expression of genes involved in collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) regulation. These observations relate to its role in extracellular matrix turnover research.
Copper Ion Delivery: As a copper chelate, GHK-Cu serves as a bioavailable copper carrier. Copper is an essential cofactor for enzymes including lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and cytochrome c oxidase. Research has investigated GHK-Cu as a model system for studying copper-dependent enzymatic processes.
Gene Expression Studies: Broad-spectrum gene expression analyses have identified over 4,000 genes whose expression is modulated by GHK-Cu in cell culture models, spanning pathways related to tissue remodelling, antioxidant defence, and inflammatory signalling (Pickart et al., 2012).
Published Research
- Pickart L, Thaler MM (1973) — Nature New Biology, 243: 85-87. Original identification of GHK as a growth-modulating factor in human plasma.
- Pickart L et al. (2012) — BioMed Research International. Comprehensive review of GHK-Cu gene expression data and proposed mechanisms of action.
Note: Citations are provided for reference purposes only. BioCompounds UK does not make therapeutic claims based on published research data.
Structural & Chemical Data
| Compound Class | Tripeptide-copper(II) chelate |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys : Cu(II) (1:1) |
| Purity | >99% verified by HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilised powder (vial) / Pre-filled solution (cartridge & pen) |
| Quantity | 100mg per unit |
| Solubility | Sterile water / PBS |
| Storage (Dry) | -20 C |
| Storage (Reconstituted) | 2-8 C, use within 4 weeks |
Regulatory & Usage Notice
This product is supplied strictly as a research-grade reference compound for in-vitro laboratory investigation only. It is not approved, intended, or marketed for human or veterinary administration, diagnostic purposes, or therapeutic application. Purchasers must be qualified researchers aged 18+ and agree to handle all compounds in accordance with applicable regulations and good laboratory practice (GLP). BioCompounds UK makes no therapeutic claims regarding this or any compound in its catalogue.
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