GHK-Cu 50 mg

One Peptides GHK-Cu 50 mg (Copper Tripeptide) – chemical reagent for laboratory tests

GHK-Cu – Research Use Only (RUO). Chemical reagent intended only for laboratory tests. It is not intended for human consumption or diagnostic purposes.
Related categories and reagents: In the context of this area of ​​research, it is also worth comparing Epithalon 10 mg.

GHK-Cu vs Epithalon. Both are short peptides compared in the context of research on aging processes, but they are different molecules with different mechanisms described in the literature. GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (C14H24N6O4; 340.38 g/mol for the free peptide and approximately 403 g/mol for the complex with Cu²⁺, CAS 49557-75-7); its research identity is based on copper complexation in a square-planar geometry. Epithalon is the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (C14H22N4O9, 390.35 g/mol, CAS 307297-39-8), contains no metal ion and is described in the literature in the context of pineal peptides and telomerase research. Similar molar masses do not indicate a relationship: the molecules differ in amino-acid count and the presence of a metal center.

Introduction and research framework

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide forming a complex with the copper(II) ion, which was first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Picart. Since its discovery, GHK-Cu has become the subject of intense biochemical research due to its unique properties as a metal ligand and signal peptide.

The GHK-Cu tripeptide occurs endogenously in the human body, where its concentration changes with age. This complex is characterized by specific copper coordination geometry and is studied in the context of various biological processes at the molecular level.

General characteristics of the compound

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide with the sequence Gly-His-Lys, which forms a stable complex with the copper(II) ion in a 1:1 ratio. This complex is characterized by a high affinity of the peptide for copper and a specific coordination geometry in which histidine plays a key role as a ligand.

Naturally, GHK-Cu occurs in:

• Blood plasma
• Saliva
• Urine
• Amniotic fluid
• Various tissues

The concentration of GHK-Cu in human plasma is estimated to be approximately 200 ng/ml in young adults, and this level varies with age. The peptide is released during the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen.

The One Peptides GHK-Cu 50 mg material is supplied in the form of a high-purity lyophilized complex, intended for use in biochemical and cell biology research.

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is a coordination complex consisting of:

1. GHK tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) – peptide ligand
2. Copper(II) ion (Cu²⁺) – metallic center

History of Discovery

Endogenous occurrence

GHK-Cu is a degradation product of proteins containing the GHK sequence, including:

• Collagen type I, II, III
• Alpha-2-macroglobulin
• SPARC (osteonectin)
• Other extracellular matrix proteins

Structure and physicochemical properties

Amino Acid Sequence of the GHK Peptide

H-Gly-His-Lys-OH

One letter code: GHK

Structure of the GHK-Cu Complex

In the GHK-Cu complex, the copper(II) ion is coordinated by:

• The nitrogen atom of the amino group of N-terminal glycine
• Amide nitrogen atom between Gly and His
• The nitrogen atom of the imidazole ring of histidine
• Amide nitrogen atom between His and Lys (or water molecule)

Coordination geometry: flat square (with possible axial ligands)

Physicochemical properties

Complex Stability Constant

The GHK-Cu complex is characterized by high stability:

• log K (persistence constant) ≈ 16.4
• The complex is stable in the pH range 6-9
• Competition with other ligands (e.g. histidine) at high concentrations

Purity, identification and quality control

Product Specification ONE GHK-Cu 50 mg

Quality parameters:

Analytical Methods

HPLC:
– UV detection at 220 nm and 280 nm (histidine)
– Separation from free peptide and degradation products

Metal Analysis:
– ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry)
– AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry)
– UV-Vis spectrophotometry (copper d-d band ~600 nm)

Storage and laboratory handling

Storage Conditions

Freeze-dried form:
– Temperature: -20°C (optimal)
– Permissible: 2-8°C
– Protect from light and moisture
– Shelf life: 24 months at -20°C

After reconstitution:
– Solvent: sterile water (preferred)
– Avoid chelating buffers (EDTA, citrates)
– Storage: 2-8°C
– Use within 7-14 days
– The solution has a characteristic blue color

Reconstitution Instructions

1. Leave the vial at room temperature
2. Add sterile water slowly along the side
3. Recommended concentration: 1-10 mg/ml
4. The solution should be clear and blue
5. Avoid contact with metal chelates
6. Store in the refrigerator

Special Notes

• The blue color of the solution confirms the presence of the Cu(II) complex
• Discoloration may indicate reduction to Cu(I) or loss of copper
• Avoid strong reducing agents (ascorbate, DTT)

Mechanism of action at the molecular level

Coordination Chemistry

GHK-Cu is tested as:

• Model of the peptide-metal complex
• Carrier of copper ions into cells
• A compound with specific redox reactivity

Redox properties:
– Cu(II)/Cu(I) pair in the complex
– Potential catalytic activity
– Interactions with reactive oxygen species

Research at the Cellular Level (In Vitro)

Studies on cell cultures analyzed:

Interactions with the extracellular matrix:
– Binding to proteoglycans
– Effect on the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs)
– Research on ECM components

Enzymatic activity:
– Effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD)
– Interactions with catalase
– Modulation of copper-dependent enzymes

Receptors and Signal Pathways

In vitro studies suggest potential interactions with:

• Integrins
• Growth factor receptors
• MAPK signaling pathways

Applications in Scientific Research

Bioinorganic Chemistry

• Modeling of peptide-metal complexes
• Structural studies using spectroscopic methods
• Kinetics and thermodynamics of complexation
• Ligand exchange reactions

Cell Biology

• Studies on the extracellular matrix
• The effect of copper on cellular functions
• Metal transport models

Biochemical Research

• Activity of copper-dependent enzymes
• Oxidative stress and antioxidants
• Trace metal metabolism

Análisis

• Development of methods for determining copper peptides
• Standards for ICP-MS analysis
• Model compounds for spectroscopy

Reservations

IMPORTANT: The product is intended for in vitro testing only. Not intended for:
– Use in humans or animals
– Cosmetic or therapeutic purposes
– Production of external preparations

Summary

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex with unique chemical and biological properties. Its well-known structure, high stability and endogenous occurrence make it a valuable tool in research in the field of bioinorganic chemistry and molecular biology.

One Peptides GHK-Cu 50 mg material offers:

• High peptide purity ≥98%
• Stoichiometric complex with copper (1:1)
• Stable freeze-dried form
• Full analytical characterization

Science FAQ

1. What is GHK-Cu and what is its structure?

GHK-Cu is a coordination complex consisting of the GHK tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) and the copper(II) ion in a 1:1 ratio. Copper is coordinated by the nitrogen atoms of the amino group, peptide bonds and the imidazole ring of histidine. The molar mass of the complex is approximately 403 g/mol and the CAS number is 49557-75-7.

2. Why is the GHK-Cu solution blue?

The blue color of the GHK-Cu solution is due to the presence of the copper(II) ion in the complex. The d-d electronic transitions in the d9 configuration of copper(II) cause light absorption in the red-orange region (~600 nm), which gives a characteristic blue color. Discoloration may indicate copper reduction or complex breakdown.

3. How to store GHK-Cu?

In freeze-dried form, GHK-Cu is stored at -20°C or 2-8°C, protected from light and moisture. After reconstitution in sterile water, the solution is stored at 2-8°C for up to 14 days. Important: avoid chelating buffers (EDTA, citrates) and strong reducing agents.

4. Where does GHK-Cu naturally occur?

GHK-Cu occurs endogenously in blood plasma, saliva, urine and various tissues. It is a product of the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins containing the GHK sequence, such as collagen, SPARC and alpha-2-macroglobulin. Plasma concentration is approximately 200 ng/ml in young adults.

5. What research is GHK-Cu used for?

GHK-Cu is used in in vitro research in the field of: bioinorganic chemistry (modeling of metal-peptide complexes), cell biology (extracellular matrix), biochemistry (copper enzymes) and analytics (standards and methods). It is not intended for use on humans or animals.

The most important research conclusions

The most important features of the ONE GHK-Cu 50 mg product:

• Type – tripeptide-copper(II) complex
• Sequence – GHK (Gly-His-Lys)
• Metal ion – Cu²⁺
• Ratio – 1:1 (peptide:copper)
• Molar mass – ~403 g/mol
• CAS number – 49557-75-7
• Cleanliness – minimum 98% HPLC
• Form – blue lyophilisate
• Destiny – only in vitro tests