GHK-Cu: Copper peptide research overview

GHK-Cu (CAS: 49557-75-7) is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). It is endogenously present in human plasma, saliva and urine and declines significantly with age — from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to < 80 ng/mL at age 60.

Its research interest stems from a broad range of observed bioactivities in vitro and in animal models, including modulation of collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory signalling, and antioxidant gene expression.

Wound healing: GHK-Cu has been studied extensively in excisional wound healing models. It appears to attract immune cells to the wound site, stimulate fibroblast proliferation, and accelerate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

Skin biology: In human fibroblast cell culture, GHK-Cu upregulates collagen, elastin and decorin synthesis. It also promotes metalloproteinase activity (MMP-2, MMP-9) which remodels aged cross-linked collagen.

Anti-inflammatory: GHK-Cu downregulates TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated macrophage models, suggesting utility in inflammation research.

Antioxidant gene activation: Studies have identified GHK-Cu as an activator of the Nrf2 pathway — a master regulator of cellular antioxidant response.

GHK-Cu is stable as a lyophilized powder. Store at −20 °C protected from light. After reconstitution in sterile water or PBS, use within 14 days when stored at 4 °C.

Note: GHK-Cu is blue in solution (characteristic of copper(II) complexes). A faded or colourless solution may indicate copper dissociation — do not use if the expected colour is absent.