For research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide, or Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring copper complex first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It consists of a tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with a copper ion (Cu²⁺). GHK-Cu has since become one of the most studied peptide compounds in tissue biology and cellular research.
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 403.92 g/mol
CAS Number: 89030-95-5
Published Research Areas
GHK-Cu has been the subject of extensive peer-reviewed research across multiple biological domains. Key published research areas include:
Wound Healing and Tissue Remodelling
GHK-Cu has been studied extensively in wound healing models. In-vitro and animal model studies have examined its effects on fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis regulation, and angiogenesis pathways. Research published in Wound Repair and Regeneration and the Journal of Peptide Science documents its interactions with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Pathways
Research has investigated GHK-Cu’s antioxidant properties, including its ability to modulate superoxide dismutase activity and reduce oxidative stress markers in cellular models. Studies have also examined its interactions with NF-κB signalling pathways relevant to inflammatory responses.
Gene Expression Research
One of the most cited areas of GHK-Cu research is its broad effects on gene expression. Studies by Pickart et al. and subsequent researchers have identified GHK-Cu modulation of hundreds of genes, with particular relevance to biological repair systems, antioxidant genes, and cellular signalling networks.
Nervous System Research
GHK-Cu has been studied in neurological research contexts, with published investigations examining nerve growth factor (NGF) interactions and neuroprotective pathways in cellular models.
Product Specifications
AE Peptides supplies GHK-Cu 30mg lyophilised powder to the following specifications:
- Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
- Form: Lyophilised powder
- Quantity: 30mg per vial
- Appearance: Blue-green powder (characteristic of copper complex)
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Storage: -20°C, desiccated, protected from light
- Stability: Stable at 4°C for several weeks; reconstituted solution use within 28 days
- Testing: ISO 17025 accredited third-party laboratory (HPLC + MS)
Reconstitution Protocol for GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is highly water-soluble due to its copper complex. Recommended reconstitution protocol for laboratory use:
- Allow vial to reach room temperature before opening
- Add the required volume of sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or sterile water for injection, depending on your research application
- Inject diluent slowly down the inner wall of the vial
- Gently swirl — do not shake or vortex
- The solution should be clear with a characteristic blue-green colour from the copper complex
- Store reconstituted solution at 2–8°C, protected from light
- Avoid freeze-thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution
Important Research Considerations
When working with GHK-Cu in research, note that the copper component can interact with standard assay reagents. Researchers should validate their assay systems for copper tolerance, particularly in antioxidant assays where Cu²⁺ may independently affect readouts. Control experiments with copper sulphate at equivalent concentrations are standard practice in published GHK-Cu research.
All information is for educational and research purposes only. GHK-Cu supplied by AE Peptides is for laboratory and in-vitro research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.