GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys). First isolated from human plasma in the early 1970s, it has become one of the most extensively studied copper-binding peptides in dermatology, wound, and connective-tissue research. Puritide Research supplies GHK-Cu as a high-purity, research-use-only material for in vitro and animal-model investigation, backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis so your data rests on consistent, documented quality.
Available Sizes
- ›GHK-Cu 50mg Vial
- ›GHK-Cu 100mg Vial
Product Specifications
- Application
- Copper-peptide matrix remodeling and fibroblast signaling research
- Appearance
- Blue-tinted lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial (the blue hue reflects the bound copper(II) ion)
- Chemical Formula
- C14H24CuN6O4
- PubChem SID
- 378611
- CAS Number
- 89030-95-5
- Molecular Weight
- ~403.92 g/mol (copper complex; free peptide GHK ~340.38 g/mol)
- Synonyms
- GHK-Cu, Copper tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Cu-GHK, Prezatide copper
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a copper-bound tripeptide formed when glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) chelates a copper(II) ion in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The GHK sequence occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine, where its concentration is reported to decline with age. Its high affinity for copper allows it to act as a carrier that shuttles the metal ion into cellular environments under study.
In experimental settings, GHK-Cu is used to investigate copper-dependent signaling in fibroblasts and keratinocytes, extracellular matrix remodeling, and gene-expression patterns associated with tissue repair. The bound copper is central to much of the observed biochemistry, distinguishing the complex from the free GHK peptide.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays, animal models, and biochemical studies. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies GHK-Cu strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
GHK-Cu Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
GHK-Cu is studied for copper-dependent effects on connective-tissue cells and the extracellular matrix. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Copper Delivery and Chelation
The defining feature of GHK-Cu is its ability to bind and transport copper(II). In research models, this chelation is investigated as a route for delivering copper to cellular systems, where the ion participates as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions relevant to matrix formation and antioxidant signaling. Studies frequently compare the copper-bound complex against free GHK to distinguish metal-dependent from peptide-intrinsic effects.
Matrix Remodeling and Gene Expression
GHK-Cu is examined for its influence on fibroblast behavior, including collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. These pathways are central to extracellular matrix turnover in tissue-repair models.
Broader transcriptomic research has associated GHK exposure with modulation of large numbers of genes in cultured cells, including genes linked to antioxidant response, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Within these models, GHK-Cu serves as a tool for probing copper-peptide effects on cellular signaling rather than representing a single defined pathway.
GHK-Cu Research Applications
GHK-Cu is investigated across dermatological, wound-healing, and connective-tissue research as a model copper-delivery peptide. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Skin and Connective-Tissue Models
A primary application is the study of fibroblast and keratinocyte responses in skin-model systems, collagen production, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and matrix remodeling under controlled conditions. Researchers use GHK-Cu to examine how copper-peptide exposure influences these processes in vitro and in animal models.
GHK-Cu is also used in comparative work alongside the free GHK peptide and other copper sources to isolate the contribution of the chelated copper to observed cellular responses.
Antioxidant, Inflammatory, and Gene-Expression Studies
Researchers employ GHK-Cu to study antioxidant signaling, inflammatory-marker regulation, and age-associated gene-expression patterns in cultured cells. These investigations aim to characterize copper-peptide biology and cellular signaling networks rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
GHK-Cu is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide complex for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As a copper-containing material, laboratories should observe standard precautions for metal-complex handling and disposal.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. The blue tint of the powder reflects the bound copper; note any color changes as part of routine quality monitoring, and maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each GHK-Cu batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
