GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu – tripeptide-copper complex for research

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide complex (Gly-His-Lys) with a copper ion (Cu2+), discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. Studies on fibroblast cultures and tissue models have demonstrated its involvement in the modulation of the synthesis of collagen, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans. GHK-Cu is one of the most widely described peptides in the literature on connective tissue biology. The product is intended for research use only (Research Use Only) – it is not a medicinal product or a dietary supplement. Check out GHK-Cu copper tripeptide in the One Peptides offer.

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide complex in which a sequence of three amino acids – glycine, histidine and lysine – forms a stable chelate complex with a divalent copper ion (Cu2+). This peptide was first isolated in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart from human blood plasma during research on factors regulating the activity of hepatocytes.

The molecular weight of the GHK tripeptide itself is approximately 340 Da, while the complex with copper is approximately 403 Da. GHK-Cu occurs naturally in the plasma, saliva and amniotic fluid of mammals, and its concentration decreases with age in animal models.

In in vitro studies on fibroblast cultures, GHK-Cu showed the ability to stimulate the synthesis of type I and III collagen, elastin, fibronectin and proteoglycans. Studies on animal models (mainly mice and rats) indicate the involvement of this peptide in the processes of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and angiogenesis. GHK-Cu also modulates the expression of many genes associated with tissue remodeling – microarray analyzes identified effects on over 4,000 genes.

GHK-Cu variants available

The product is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity, copper content and molecular identity. Detailed analytical data are available on the product card.

GHK-Cu copper tripeptide 50 mg – product characteristics

GHK-Cu in the One Peptides offer is available in the form of a 50 mg lyophilized product (the product is currently unavailable – it is worth signing up for notification of availability). The 50 mg weight is suitable for both initial in vitro experiments on fibroblast cultures and for extended research series including tissue models and experiments in animal models regarding extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis.

GHK-Cu in the form of lyophilisate should be stored at a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius. After reconstitution, the solution is stable for a limited time – the use of buffers with physiological pH is recommended.

How does GHK-Cu differ from similar peptides?

GHK-Cu vs BPC-157

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a pentadecapeptide derived from the sequence of human gastric juice, studied in animal models mainly in the context of the regeneration of various types of tissues, including muscles, tendons and blood vessels. GHK-Cu differs from BPC-157 both in its structure (tripeptide with copper ion vs. 15-amino acid peptide) and in its main research area – GHK-Cu focuses on the extracellular matrix, collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling, while BPC-157 is studied in a broader spectrum of regenerative models. Both peptides engage different signaling pathways. See category: BPC-157

GHK-Cu vs TB-500

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4, fragment 17-23) is a peptide studied for modulation of actin and cell migration in tissue models. While GHK-Cu affects primarily the synthesis of extracellular matrix components (collagen, fibronectin), TB-500 affects the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell migration in the wound closure model. Both peptides are studied in the context of connective tissue biology, but their molecular mechanisms are complementary, not identical. See category: TB-500

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

1. What is GHK-Cu and where does it come from?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring complex of the Gly-His-Lys tripeptide with the copper ion Cu2+. It was discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart during research on factors regulating the activity of hepatocytes in human serum. It occurs naturally in the plasma of mammals.

2. In what research is GHK-Cu used?
GHK-Cu is used in in vitro studies on fibroblast cultures (collagen, fibronectin synthesis), in tissue models (ECM remodeling) and in in vivo studies on animal models (angiogenesis and connective tissue remodeling processes). Its impact on gene expression on a genomic scale is also analyzed.

3. Is GHK-Cu a drug or cosmetic?
GHK-Cu offered by One Peptides is a substance intended exclusively for scientific research (Research Use Only). It is not a medicinal product, cosmetic or dietary supplement. It is not intended for any non-laboratory use.

4. Why does GHK-Cu contain copper ion?
The copper ion Cu2+ is an integral element of the complex – the GHK tripeptide forms a stable chelate bond with it. The presence of copper is necessary for the biological activity of the complex observed in in vitro studies. The GHK peptide itself without copper shows a different activity profile.

5. How to store GHK-Cu?
Freeze-dried GHK-Cu should be stored at a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius, in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture. After reconstitution, the solution should be used immediately or divided into aliquots and frozen.

Quality and standards at One Peptides

GHK-Cu in the One Peptides offer is subjected to multi-stage quality control. HPLC analysis confirms the purity of the peptide, mass spectrometry (MS) verifies the molecular identity, and additional ICP or AAS analysis determines the copper content in the complex. Each batch has a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available for download.