Dermal Models
Collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis measured in fibroblast culture. Studied extensively in wound-closure and dermal-ageing models.
≥99% Purity
GHK-Cu
Collagen Synthesis Studies
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About this compound
GHK-Cu is a copper peptide made of three amino acids. It occurs naturally and was first isolated from human plasma in 1973. It is among the more extensively characterised peptides in dermal research. Studies have measured how much collagen skin cells produce after exposure, and how the surrounding tissue structure changes. Levels in plasma fall with age, and that finding is what drove most of the research that followed.
Copper-binding tripeptide
- Formula
- C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
- Molecular weight
- 403.9 g/mol
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- CAS / ID
- 49557-75-7
0+
Genes Modulated
Gene expression reset toward health
0%
Collagen Synthesis (vs control)
Type I & III vs controls
0
Research Areas
Dermal Models · Hair Follicle Models · Gene Expression & more
How It Works
How GHK-Cu works
The pathways GHK-Cu acts on — and what each one does. The animation traces its signal outward from the compound to every target it engages.
Signalling pathways studied in preclinical models · illustrative
Copper Transport & Signaling
Copper Delivery
GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions and delivers them to cells. Copper-dependent enzymes involved in collagen crosslinking, antioxidant activity and tissue remodelling have been measured following exposure.
- High-affinity copper(II) binding
- Lysyl oxidase activity measured in collagen crosslinking
- Superoxide dismutase activity measured
ECM Remodelling
Collagen Synthesis
Fibroblast production of type I and III collagen, glycosaminoglycans and decorin has been measured in culture, alongside changes in extracellular matrix architecture.
- 70% higher collagen synthesis vs controls in fibroblast culture
- Glycosaminoglycan production measured
- Decorin synthesis for matrix organization
Genomic Reprogramming
Gene Modulation
Gene expression work reports changes across 4,000+ human genes following GHK-Cu exposure - among the broadest transcriptional footprints recorded for a short peptide.
- 4,000+ genes modulated toward health
- Raised DNA repair gene expression reported
- Suppresses inflammatory gene expression
Uses & Applications
What GHK-Cu is researched for
The main areas GHK-Cu is being studied for — and the study-reported figures behind them.
Hair Follicle Models
Associated with larger follicle size, follicle growth and hair-cycle transition in preclinical models.
Gene Expression
Expression changes reported across 4,000+ genes, including DNA repair, antioxidant and inflammatory pathways.
Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
Chelates free copper, with lower oxidative-damage markers and raised superoxide dismutase activity measured in the same systems.
Molecular Structure
The GHK-Cu molecule
An interactive 3D model rendered from the compound record — rotate and explore its structure.
Copper-coordination complex
Compound Information
Full specification
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys-Cu(II) |
| Molecular Weight | 403.9 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage | -20°C for up to 24 months |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| COA | Included with every order |
FAQ
Common questions about GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart. It is found in human blood, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels declining from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60.
Preclinical research has studied GHK-Cu in wound-closure and dermal models, including collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; recruitment of immune and endothelial cells to injury sites; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; and expression changes across over 4,000 genes.
GHK-Cu is not FDA approved as a drug. It is available as a research peptide and is also found in some cosmetic formulations. Injectable forms are sold exclusively for in vitro research purposes.
GHK-Cu has been studied in cultured cell systems and in animal models, with copper binding, collagen-related gene expression and tissue-remodelling endpoints. Concentrations and endpoints differ between experiments.
GHK-Cu consists of three amino acids — glycine, histidine, and lysine — complexed with a copper(II) ion. The molecular formula is C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ with a molecular weight of approximately 403.9 Da. The histidine residue provides the primary copper-binding site.
Lyophilized GHK-Cu should be stored at -20°C for maximum stability (up to 24 months). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light.
Research Use Only.
Not for human or veterinary use. For in-vitro laboratory research only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA; this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Sold exclusively to qualified researchers and institutions.