GHK-Cu (Copper)
Copper peptide
Research overview
A copper-tripeptide studied in models of extracellular-matrix remodeling and skin repair.
Descriptions reference published research areas for laboratory context only and are not claims of efficacy, safety, or intended use in humans or animals.
- Price
- $110 CAD
- Purity
- ≥98.8% (HPLC)
- Presentation
- 50 mg lyophilized vial
Order / inquire about GHK-Cu (Copper)
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For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use
GHK-Cu (Copper) is a chemical reference material sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or natural health product; it has not been evaluated or approved by Health Canada; and it must never be ingested, injected, or applied to humans or animals. Sold in Canada only, to purchasers 18+. See our Research Use Policy.
Research encyclopedia
Everything the literature has studied.
For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use. The content below summarizes published research context only. It is not medical advice, makes no therapeutic claims, and describes no intended use in humans or animals. These materials have not been evaluated or approved by Health Canada.
What it is
GHK-Cu is a copper(II)-binding tripeptide complex—glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a Cu2+ ion—naturally present in human plasma. It is a copper tripeptide rather than a classic signaling peptide, studied for its roles in wound healing, extracellular-matrix remodeling, and skin/hair regeneration. Plasma levels decline with age.
Mechanism of action
Acts as a copper carrier and signal molecule at sites of injury. At nanomolar concentrations it stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates the balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), and upregulates angiogenic factors such as bFGF and VEGF. Copper delivery supports lysyl-oxidase-dependent collagen/elastin cross-linking and antioxidant enzyme systems.
Research areas
- Wound healing and tissue contraction
- Extracellular-matrix remodeling (collagen/elastin)
- Skin and hair-follicle regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling
Studied effects in research models
- Acceleration of wound closure and skin-graft integration (preclinical/topical)
- Increased angiogenesis with collagen and elastin synthesis
- Modulation of MMP/TIMP balance in dermal models
- Broad gene-expression modulation in cultured fibroblasts
Effects listed describe observations reported in laboratory or animal research models only — not outcomes claimed for humans or animals.
Biomarkers tracked in related research
Discovery & background
Isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973, initially identified as a factor that caused aged human liver tissue to synthesize proteins in a manner resembling younger tissue. Its high affinity for copper(II) was subsequently characterized, and decades of dermatologic in vitro and topical research followed on wound healing and matrix remodeling.
Considerations & limitations
Research-use-only reference material; a copper tripeptide complex, not a therapeutic. Not approved by Health Canada or the FDA for systemic human use. Evidence is mostly preclinical and topical/dermatologic; injectable systemic benefits are poorly supported by controlled trials. The copper component carries a risk of copper overload with systemic exposure—caution in Wilson's disease, hepatic disease, or disorders of copper metabolism—and warrants copper-homeostasis monitoring.
References
- [1]Pickart & Margolina, 2018 (GHK regenerative biology review) — Int J Mol Sci; 19:1987; PMID: 29986520
- [2]Pickart et al., 2015 (GHK gene modulation) — Biomed Res Int; 2015:648108; PMID: 26236730
- [3]Pickart, 2008 (human copper peptide GHK-Cu) — J Biomater Sci Polym Ed; 19:969-988; PMID: 18644225