GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide from human plasma. Modulates over 4,000 genes and is one of the most studied peptides in collagen synthesis, wound remodeling, and skin biology research.
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-metal ion complex first isolated from human plasma albumin by Pickart and Thaler in 1973. The tripeptide sequence Gly-His-Lys binds copper(II) ions with high affinity through the histidine imidazole nitrogen, the amino-terminal nitrogen, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His peptide bond, forming a square-planar coordination complex. GHK-Cu is present endogenously in human plasma at approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults, with levels declining significantly with age — a phenomenon that has attracted substantial interest from the aging and regenerative biology research communities.
The biological activity of GHK-Cu is extraordinarily broad. Comprehensive gene expression analysis by Pickart, Campbell, and colleagues identified over 4,000 human genes whose expression is significantly modulated by GHK-Cu exposure in cell culture. These include upregulation of genes encoding collagen types I and III, decorin, versican, and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components; activation of antioxidant defense genes including superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2), glutathione S-transferase, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β in certain contexts); modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs); and stimulation of fibroblast growth factor, VEGF, and nerve growth factor expression. The copper ion is essential for biological activity — the free peptide GHK without copper shows dramatically reduced effects.
Research applications span dermatological science (collagen synthesis stimulation, photoaging reversal studies, scar remodeling), wound healing biology (fibroblast migration, angiogenesis, inflammatory resolution), hair biology (follicular dermal papilla cell studies, hair growth cycling), and systemic regenerative research (bone repair, nerve regeneration, lung tissue remodeling). GHK-Cu is also one of the most studied peptides in cosmetic science research, with published data on its effects on skin firmness, elasticity, wrinkle depth, and pigmentation in human skin model studies.
Key published milestones include Pickart’s original isolation from plasma and characterization of wound healing activity, the Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis showing GHK-Cu’s gene expression signature, and multiple clinical skin biology studies documenting measurable dermal remodeling effects. The peptide’s ability to simultaneously promote ECM synthesis while properly regulating ECM degradation (balancing MMPs and TIMPs) is a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from single-target approaches.
Supplied as a blue lyophilized powder (color from copper complex) with ≥99% purity. Store at -20°C desiccated. For dermatological and regenerative biology research only.
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