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GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide composed of the amino acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with a divalent copper ion (Cu²⁺). First identified in human plasma and later in saliva and urine, GHK-Cu plays a vital biochemical role in wound healing, tissue remodeling, cellular regeneration, and anti-inflammatory signaling.

Its biological activity arises primarily from its ability to bind and deliver bioavailable copper, an essential trace element involved in angiogenesis, antioxidant defense, and enzymatic activation. GHK-Cu is also known to modulate gene expression related to tissue growth, repair, and anti-aging pathways — making it one of the most studied regenerative peptides in modern biomedical research.

As a research compound, GHK-Cu serves as a model for studying metal-peptide complexes, skin biology, cellular signaling, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.

Price range: $60.00 through $90.00

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GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide composed of the amino acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with a divalent copper ion (Cu²⁺). First identified in human plasma and later in saliva and urine, GHK-Cu plays a vital biochemical role in wound healing, tissue remodeling, cellular regeneration, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Its biological activity arises primarily from its ability to bind and deliver bioavailable copper, an essential trace element involved in angiogenesis, antioxidant defense, and enzymatic activation. GHK-Cu is also known to modulate gene expression related to tissue growth, repair, and anti-aging pathways — making it one of the most studied regenerative peptides in modern biomedical research. As a research compound, GHK-Cu serves as a model for studying metal-peptide complexes, skin biology, cellular signaling, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
Property
Specification
Peptide Type:
Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide
Chemical Name:
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper(II) complex
Sequence (1-Letter Code):
H-Gly-His-Lys-OH (complexed with Cu²⁺)
Molecular Formula:
C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄ • Cu
Molecular Weight:
~340.9 Da (uncomplexed) / ~403 Da (with Cu²⁺ bound)
Structure Type:
Linear tripeptide metal complex
Charge State:
Positively charged complex (Cu²⁺ coordinated by imidazole and amine groups)
Solubility:
Water-soluble; stable in neutral aqueous solution
Storage Conditions:
≤ –20 °C, protected from light and humidity

Structural Highlights:

  • Tripeptide Core: GHK is composed of three amino acids — glycine, histidine, and lysine — forming a stable chelating motif for copper binding.
  • Copper Coordination: The imidazole ring of histidine and terminal amine and carboxyl groups coordinate Cu²⁺, forming a compact complex with high biological affinity.
  • Molecular Stability: Copper binding increases peptide resistance to oxidation and proteolytic degradation.

Bioinorganic Significance: Serves as a model compound for studying metal-peptide interactions and trace-metal homeostasis in mammalian biology.

GHK-Cu is extensively studied for its regenerative and reparative effects across multiple biological systems. Its activity spans cell signaling, tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and gene expression modulation — providing a foundation for research into wound healing, skin health, inflammation, and aging mechanisms.

Cellular Regeneration and Growth Factor Signaling

  • Stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and decorin in dermal fibroblast models.
  • Upregulates TGF-β, VEGF, and FGF2 gene expression linked to tissue repair and angiogenesis.
  • Promotes keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation in skin-equivalent systems.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanisms

  • Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in cellular studies.
  • Activates superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, key antioxidant enzymes dependent on copper cofactors.
  • Reduces oxidative damage and supports recovery from environmental stress in in-vitro skin and organoid models.

Gene Expression and Epigenetic Regulation

  • Influences over 4,000 human genes associated with cell cycle control, wound repair, and ECM remodeling (per transcriptomic analyses).
  • Demonstrates selective upregulation of youth-associated genes and downregulation of inflammatory or fibrotic genes.
  • Provides a model for studying gene-environment interactions in cellular aging and regeneration.

Neuroregeneration & Systemic Research

  • Facilitates axon outgrowth and neurite extension in neuronal cultures.
  • Exhibits neuroprotective potential through modulation of metal homeostasis and oxidative stress pathways.
  • Used in studies exploring copper signaling in neurodegenerative and metabolic research.

This product is supplied strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and must not be administered to humans or animals. Proper handling procedures and safety protocols should be followed by trained professionals when working with this material.

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Disclaimer: For Research Use Only

All products and information presented on this website are intended solely for laboratory and scientific research purposes. Nothing contained herein should be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or authorization for human consumption, medical use, or diagnostic application.

Any references to specific peptides, studies, or potential biological functions are provided strictly for informational and educational purposes. Such content must not be considered medical, health, or legal advice, nor encouragement for non-research use.

All compounds are designed for controlled research environments and may be handled only by qualified professionals familiar with appropriate laboratory procedures and regulations. Customers and researchers are urged to consult with scientific, medical, or legal experts before ordering or utilizing any materials.

Revacta Labs promotes the ethical, safe, and lawful study of research-grade materials and expects all users to adhere to applicable local and federal guidelines. This disclaimer applies to all website content, communications, and products offered by Revacta Labs and is subject to change without notice.

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