GHK-Cu - My Framer Site

Overview

GHK-Cu is a bioactive copper peptide complex composed of the tripeptide glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) bound to copper (Cu2+). The peptide sequence itself was first identified in human plasma as a naturally occurring factor with potent biological activity. When complexed with copper, GHK-Cu demonstrates enhanced stability, cellular uptake, and biological efficacy compared to the peptide alone. ‍ GHK-Cu has been extensively studied for its role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and skin regeneration. The copper cofactor is essential for enzymatic activity, enabling GHK-Cu to activate multiple biological pathways including collagen synthesis, matrix metalloproteinase regulation, and antioxidant defense. Research demonstrates that GHK-Cu levels decline with age, contributing to impaired wound healing and reduced tissue regenerative capacity in aging organisms. ‍ GHK-Cu represents a valuable research tool for investigating tissue repair mechanisms, fibrotic diseases, and age-related decline in regenerative function.

Overview

GHK-Cu is a bioactive copper peptide complex composed of the tripeptide glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) bound to copper (Cu2+). The peptide sequence itself was first identified in human plasma as a naturally occurring factor with potent biological activity. When complexed with copper, GHK-Cu demonstrates enhanced stability, cellular uptake, and biological efficacy compared to the peptide alone. ‍ GHK-Cu has been extensively studied for its role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and skin regeneration. The copper cofactor is essential for enzymatic activity, enabling GHK-Cu to activate multiple biological pathways including collagen synthesis, matrix metalloproteinase regulation, and antioxidant defense. Research demonstrates that GHK-Cu levels decline with age, contributing to impaired wound healing and reduced tissue regenerative capacity in aging organisms. ‍ GHK-Cu represents a valuable research tool for investigating tissue repair mechanisms, fibrotic diseases, and age-related decline in regenerative function.

Overview

GHK-Cu is a bioactive copper peptide complex composed of the tripeptide glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) bound to copper (Cu2+). The peptide sequence itself was first identified in human plasma as a naturally occurring factor with potent biological activity. When complexed with copper, GHK-Cu demonstrates enhanced stability, cellular uptake, and biological efficacy compared to the peptide alone. ‍ GHK-Cu has been extensively studied for its role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and skin regeneration. The copper cofactor is essential for enzymatic activity, enabling GHK-Cu to activate multiple biological pathways including collagen synthesis, matrix metalloproteinase regulation, and antioxidant defense. Research demonstrates that GHK-Cu levels decline with age, contributing to impaired wound healing and reduced tissue regenerative capacity in aging organisms. ‍ GHK-Cu represents a valuable research tool for investigating tissue repair mechanisms, fibrotic diseases, and age-related decline in regenerative function.

Biochemical Characteristics

GHK-Cu consists of a tripeptide sequence (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with cupric copper (Cu2+) in a 1:1 molar ratio, with a combined molecular weight of approximately 404 Da. ‍ The histidine residue provides the primary copper coordination site through its imidazole nitrogen, while the glycine N-terminus and lysine residue contribute additional coordination interactions. This chelation creates a stable, water-soluble complex that resists dissociation under physiological conditions while remaining bioavailable for cellular interaction. ‍ The copper center is essential for biological activity, enabling electron transfer reactions and redox-dependent enzymatic processes. The peptide backbone contributes to cellular recognition and receptor binding, while the copper moiety provides catalytic function. ‍ GHK-Cu exhibits excellent solubility in aqueous solutions across physiological pH ranges (6.5–8.0) and demonstrates stability at body temperature. The complex resists enzymatic degradation better than the uncomplexed peptide, conferring extended in vivo half-life. ‍ The peptide localizes to extracellular matrix and cell surface receptor regions, with cellular internalization occurring through both receptor-mediated and fluid-phase endocytosis pathways.

Biochemical Characteristics

GHK-Cu consists of a tripeptide sequence (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with cupric copper (Cu2+) in a 1:1 molar ratio, with a combined molecular weight of approximately 404 Da. ‍ The histidine residue provides the primary copper coordination site through its imidazole nitrogen, while the glycine N-terminus and lysine residue contribute additional coordination interactions. This chelation creates a stable, water-soluble complex that resists dissociation under physiological conditions while remaining bioavailable for cellular interaction. ‍ The copper center is essential for biological activity, enabling electron transfer reactions and redox-dependent enzymatic processes. The peptide backbone contributes to cellular recognition and receptor binding, while the copper moiety provides catalytic function. ‍ GHK-Cu exhibits excellent solubility in aqueous solutions across physiological pH ranges (6.5–8.0) and demonstrates stability at body temperature. The complex resists enzymatic degradation better than the uncomplexed peptide, conferring extended in vivo half-life. ‍ The peptide localizes to extracellular matrix and cell surface receptor regions, with cellular internalization occurring through both receptor-mediated and fluid-phase endocytosis pathways.

Biochemical Characteristics

GHK-Cu consists of a tripeptide sequence (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with cupric copper (Cu2+) in a 1:1 molar ratio, with a combined molecular weight of approximately 404 Da. ‍ The histidine residue provides the primary copper coordination site through its imidazole nitrogen, while the glycine N-terminus and lysine residue contribute additional coordination interactions. This chelation creates a stable, water-soluble complex that resists dissociation under physiological conditions while remaining bioavailable for cellular interaction. ‍ The copper center is essential for biological activity, enabling electron transfer reactions and redox-dependent enzymatic processes. The peptide backbone contributes to cellular recognition and receptor binding, while the copper moiety provides catalytic function. ‍ GHK-Cu exhibits excellent solubility in aqueous solutions across physiological pH ranges (6.5–8.0) and demonstrates stability at body temperature. The complex resists enzymatic degradation better than the uncomplexed peptide, conferring extended in vivo half-life. ‍ The peptide localizes to extracellular matrix and cell surface receptor regions, with cellular internalization occurring through both receptor-mediated and fluid-phase endocytosis pathways.

Research Applications

Wound Healing & Tissue RepairInvestigation of accelerated wound closure, enhanced re-epithelialization, and fibroblast proliferation in wound healing models. ‍ Collagen Synthesis & DepositionAssessment of upregulation of type I and III collagen production and extracellular matrix deposition in skin and connective tissue. ‍ Matrix RemodelingStudy of modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity, and regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) for balanced matrix turnover. ‍ Skin Regeneration & Anti-AgingEvaluation of enhancement of dermal fibroblast function, increased skin thickness, and improved skin quality in aging models. ‍ Angiogenesis & VascularizationInvestigation of promotion of new blood vessel formation and improved tissue perfusion in ischemic and regenerating tissues. ‍ Hair Growth & Follicle HealthStudy of stimulation of hair follicle cycling and enhanced hair growth in dermal papilla and follicle cells. ‍ Fibrosis & Scar PreventionAssessment of modulation of fibrotic responses and reduction of excessive collagen deposition in scar tissue and organ fibrosis models. ‍ Immune & Inflammatory ModulationExamination of regulation of inflammatory cytokine production and enhancement of immune cell function in wound healing contexts. ‍ Connective Tissue DiseasesInvestigation of therapeutic potential in conditions involving connective tissue dysfunction and impaired collagen metabolism.

Research Applications

Wound Healing & Tissue RepairInvestigation of accelerated wound closure, enhanced re-epithelialization, and fibroblast proliferation in wound healing models. ‍ Collagen Synthesis & DepositionAssessment of upregulation of type I and III collagen production and extracellular matrix deposition in skin and connective tissue. ‍ Matrix RemodelingStudy of modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity, and regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) for balanced matrix turnover. ‍ Skin Regeneration & Anti-AgingEvaluation of enhancement of dermal fibroblast function, increased skin thickness, and improved skin quality in aging models. ‍ Angiogenesis & VascularizationInvestigation of promotion of new blood vessel formation and improved tissue perfusion in ischemic and regenerating tissues. ‍ Hair Growth & Follicle HealthStudy of stimulation of hair follicle cycling and enhanced hair growth in dermal papilla and follicle cells. ‍ Fibrosis & Scar PreventionAssessment of modulation of fibrotic responses and reduction of excessive collagen deposition in scar tissue and organ fibrosis models. ‍ Immune & Inflammatory ModulationExamination of regulation of inflammatory cytokine production and enhancement of immune cell function in wound healing contexts. ‍ Connective Tissue DiseasesInvestigation of therapeutic potential in conditions involving connective tissue dysfunction and impaired collagen metabolism.

Research Applications

Wound Healing & Tissue RepairInvestigation of accelerated wound closure, enhanced re-epithelialization, and fibroblast proliferation in wound healing models. ‍ Collagen Synthesis & DepositionAssessment of upregulation of type I and III collagen production and extracellular matrix deposition in skin and connective tissue. ‍ Matrix RemodelingStudy of modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity, and regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) for balanced matrix turnover. ‍ Skin Regeneration & Anti-AgingEvaluation of enhancement of dermal fibroblast function, increased skin thickness, and improved skin quality in aging models. ‍ Angiogenesis & VascularizationInvestigation of promotion of new blood vessel formation and improved tissue perfusion in ischemic and regenerating tissues. ‍ Hair Growth & Follicle HealthStudy of stimulation of hair follicle cycling and enhanced hair growth in dermal papilla and follicle cells. ‍ Fibrosis & Scar PreventionAssessment of modulation of fibrotic responses and reduction of excessive collagen deposition in scar tissue and organ fibrosis models. ‍ Immune & Inflammatory ModulationExamination of regulation of inflammatory cytokine production and enhancement of immune cell function in wound healing contexts. ‍ Connective Tissue DiseasesInvestigation of therapeutic potential in conditions involving connective tissue dysfunction and impaired collagen metabolism.

Pathway / Mechanistic Context

Collagen Synthesis GHK-Cu activates TGF-β signaling pathways through cell surface receptor binding, triggering SMAD-dependent upregulation of collagen genes. ‍ MMP Regulation The complex modulates matrix metalloproteinase expression for balanced extracellular matrix turnover during tissue remodeling. ‍ Copper Enzymatic Activity Copper serves as cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking) and cytochrome c oxidase (cellular energy production). ‍ Fibroblast Proliferation GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast proliferation through FGF receptor and MAPK/ERK pathway activation. ‍ Angiogenic Factor Production Enhancement of VEGF and FGF expression promotes vascularization of regenerating tissues. ‍ Integrin Signaling Binding to integrin α2β1 activates cell-matrix interaction pathways essential for wound healing.

Pathway / Mechanistic Context

Collagen Synthesis GHK-Cu activates TGF-β signaling pathways through cell surface receptor binding, triggering SMAD-dependent upregulation of collagen genes. ‍ MMP Regulation The complex modulates matrix metalloproteinase expression for balanced extracellular matrix turnover during tissue remodeling. ‍ Copper Enzymatic Activity Copper serves as cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking) and cytochrome c oxidase (cellular energy production). ‍ Fibroblast Proliferation GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast proliferation through FGF receptor and MAPK/ERK pathway activation. ‍ Angiogenic Factor Production Enhancement of VEGF and FGF expression promotes vascularization of regenerating tissues. ‍ Integrin Signaling Binding to integrin α2β1 activates cell-matrix interaction pathways essential for wound healing.

Pathway / Mechanistic Context

Collagen Synthesis GHK-Cu activates TGF-β signaling pathways through cell surface receptor binding, triggering SMAD-dependent upregulation of collagen genes. ‍ MMP Regulation The complex modulates matrix metalloproteinase expression for balanced extracellular matrix turnover during tissue remodeling. ‍ Copper Enzymatic Activity Copper serves as cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking) and cytochrome c oxidase (cellular energy production). ‍ Fibroblast Proliferation GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast proliferation through FGF receptor and MAPK/ERK pathway activation. ‍ Angiogenic Factor Production Enhancement of VEGF and FGF expression promotes vascularization of regenerating tissues. ‍ Integrin Signaling Binding to integrin α2β1 activates cell-matrix interaction pathways essential for wound healing.

Preclinical Research Summary

GHK-Cu is supplied as sterile aqueous solution or lyophilized powder at concentrations of 1–10 mg/mL. Storage at 2–8°C; shelf-life 12–24 months for solutions, 24–36 months for lyophilized material. ‍ Analytical testing includes HPLC purity verification (≥95%), HPLC-MS molecular confirmation, ICP-MS copper content determination, amino acid analysis, and microbial sterility/endotoxin testing. Certificate of Analysis provided with each lot.

Preclinical Research Summary

GHK-Cu is supplied as sterile aqueous solution or lyophilized powder at concentrations of 1–10 mg/mL. Storage at 2–8°C; shelf-life 12–24 months for solutions, 24–36 months for lyophilized material. ‍ Analytical testing includes HPLC purity verification (≥95%), HPLC-MS molecular confirmation, ICP-MS copper content determination, amino acid analysis, and microbial sterility/endotoxin testing. Certificate of Analysis provided with each lot.

Preclinical Research Summary

GHK-Cu is supplied as sterile aqueous solution or lyophilized powder at concentrations of 1–10 mg/mL. Storage at 2–8°C; shelf-life 12–24 months for solutions, 24–36 months for lyophilized material. ‍ Analytical testing includes HPLC purity verification (≥95%), HPLC-MS molecular confirmation, ICP-MS copper content determination, amino acid analysis, and microbial sterility/endotoxin testing. Certificate of Analysis provided with each lot.

RUO Disclaimer

RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO) This product is intended exclusively for laboratory research and is not approved for clinical use or human/animal administration. Not manufactured for pharmaceutical use. ‍ Users assume responsibility for suitability determination, proper storage, safety compliance, and regulatory adherence. Institutional approval (IACUC, IRB) may be required. ‍ Information provided is for research reference only and does not constitute medical advice or therapeutic claims.

RUO Disclaimer

RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO) This product is intended exclusively for laboratory research and is not approved for clinical use or human/animal administration. Not manufactured for pharmaceutical use. ‍ Users assume responsibility for suitability determination, proper storage, safety compliance, and regulatory adherence. Institutional approval (IACUC, IRB) may be required. ‍ Information provided is for research reference only and does not constitute medical advice or therapeutic claims.

RUO Disclaimer

RESEARCH USE ONLY (RUO) This product is intended exclusively for laboratory research and is not approved for clinical use or human/animal administration. Not manufactured for pharmaceutical use. ‍ Users assume responsibility for suitability determination, proper storage, safety compliance, and regulatory adherence. Institutional approval (IACUC, IRB) may be required. ‍ Information provided is for research reference only and does not constitute medical advice or therapeutic claims.