Research Compound GHK-Cu

Research Compound GHK-Cu is a laboratory material for analytical and in vitro work, available in 50 mg and 100 mg variants.

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is a complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) with copper(II) ions. The tripeptide itself has a molecular weight of approximately 340 Da and binds copper(II) with very high affinity via the histidine imidazole, the glycine amino group and the peptide bond. The complex has a characteristic blue colour derived from the bound copper.

Research background

GHK was isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973, where it is present at low concentrations. It has since been studied in cell biology, particularly in fibroblast and extracellular matrix models.

Mechanism and scientific context

In cellular models GHK-Cu is associated with stimulation of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts and with regulation of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, suggesting a role in extracellular matrix remodelling. Gene expression analyses (Connectivity Map) suggest that GHK influences the expression of a large number of genes, but these bioinformatic analyses are not evidence of a clinical effect.

Main research areas

• fibroblasts and collagen synthesis
• extracellular matrix remodelling
• metalloproteinases and their inhibitors
• animal tissue models
• dermal and follicular cell models
• copper binding and transport

Level of evidence

Predominantly preclinical. Most data come from cellular and animal models; recent reviews note that quality clinical data are insufficient.

Related research materials

A related copper-peptide complex is AHK-Cu, which has a different sequence and a separate literature. GHK-Cu is also a component of GLOW and KLOW.

Research use only: for laboratory, analytical and in vitro research only; not for use in humans or animals. Guidance on batch documentation is available in our COA guide.