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
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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