What is GHK-Cu?

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a naturally occurring sequence first isolated from human plasma. The histidine imidazole and the N-terminal amine coordinate the copper ion.

What is it studied for in the laboratory?

GHK-Cu is used in fibroblast and keratinocyte culture to study collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, in gene-expression profiling (microarray and RNA-seq) of tissue-remodelling pathways, and in preclinical wound-model assays of extracellular-matrix turnover.

Mechanism

GHK-Cu is reported to modulate expression of a large set of genes in cultured cells, including matrix-metalloproteinase and TIMP balance, TGF-β signalling and antioxidant-response genes. Its high copper affinity also makes it a model ligand for copper delivery in cell-culture systems.

Chemical identity

CAS

89030-95-5

Molecular formula

C14H22CuN6O4

Sequence

Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II)

Form supplied

Solution, pre-filled multi-dose research pen (50 mg)

Primary literature

1. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018.
2. Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008.

How is it supplied?

GHK-Cu is supplied by Body Pharm as a sealed, pre-filled multi-dose research pen with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity and identity). Supplied strictly for laboratory research. Not for human or veterinary use. No dosing information is provided.