GHK-Cu: Copper peptide research overview

GHK-Cu (CAS: 49557-75-7) is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). It is endogenously present in human plasma, saliva and urine and declines significantly with age — from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to < 80 ng/mL at age 60.

Its research interest stems from a broad range of observed bioactivities in vitro and in animal models, including modulation of collagen synthesis and related cellular signalling pathways.

Tissue repair: GHK-Cu has been studied extensively in excisional repair models. It appears to attract immune cells to the site, stimulate fibroblast proliferation, and accelerate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

Skin biology: In human fibroblast cell culture, GHK-Cu upregulates collagen, elastin and decorin synthesis. It also promotes metalloproteinase activity (MMP-2, MMP-9) which remodels aged cross-linked collagen.

Cytokine signalling: In LPS-stimulated macrophage models, GHK-Cu has been observed to modulate cytokine expression, including TNF-α.

Gene expression: Studies have examined GHK-Cu's interaction with the Nrf2 signalling pathway in cell models.

GHK-Cu is stable as a lyophilized powder. Store at −20 °C protected from light. After reconstitution in sterile water or PBS, use within 14 days when stored at 4 °C.

Note: GHK-Cu is blue in solution (characteristic of copper(II) complexes). A faded or colourless solution may indicate copper dissociation — do not use if the expected colour is absent.