GHK-Cu: research overview
What is GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine. The Cu2+ ion is bound to the peptide, and this complex is the form we supply as a research reagent. The tripeptide GHK was first described in human plasma in the 1970s and has been studied in laboratories ever since, mainly because of its strong affinity for copper.
Our GHK-Cu is chemically synthesised and supplied as a lyophilised powder. The molecular weight of 401.9 g/mol is confirmed for every batch by mass spectrometry.
Mechanism studied in research
In vitro studies have observed the effects of the copper complex on fibroblasts, the cells responsible for building the extracellular matrix. Researchers have described changes in gene expression linked to tissue remodelling and to the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Animal model studies have described the compound in the context of wound healing and connective tissue repair. Some reports also focus on antioxidant activity and on the role of copper as a cofactor for enzymes.
The mechanism is not fully understood, and results come from different experimental models. Every study therefore needs its own control group and carefully chosen conditions.
Research areas
- fibroblast biology and extracellular matrix synthesis
- wound healing and connective tissue repair models in animal studies
- skin ageing research using in vitro models
- copper transport and homeostasis in cell cultures
- gene expression analysis following peptide exposure
- antioxidant research and interactions with copper-dependent enzymes
Product specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | GHK-Cu |
| CAS number | 49557-75-7 |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 401.9 g/mol |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys with Cu2+ ion |
| Form | lyophilised powder |
| Purity | 99% or higher (HPLC) |
| Variants | 50 mg, 100 mg |
Laboratory handling
Lyophilised powder
Store the vial at -20 °C, tightly sealed and protected from light. Before opening, let it reach room temperature so that moisture does not condense on the powder.
Reconstitution and solution
Carry out reconstitution in the laboratory, using bacteriostatic water as the solvent. Keep the ready solution at 2-8 °C. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing, as repeated cycles may affect the stability of the peptide. Set the period of use according to your laboratory protocol.
Solvent
Bacteriostatic water is available in our range as a separate product for laboratory work, chosen to suit your research protocol.
Batch quality
Every batch of GHK-Cu is tested by HPLC, which confirms purity of 99% or higher, and by mass spectrometry (MS), which confirms the molecular weight. Each batch is identified by its batch number, so each result can be traced to a specific vial. Read more about our testing standards on the quality page.
Related products
To work out solution concentrations, use our concentration calculator.
