GHK-Cu Research Guide

GHK-Cu is the copper-binding form of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys). The peptide was originally isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in the 1970s. The native peptide chelates Cu(II) at near-physiological affinity to form the GHK-Cu complex, which is the species most commonly studied.

Research areas

• Skin remodeling and wound-repair models, including effects on collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
• Modulation of extracellular-matrix turnover via metalloproteinases and their inhibitors.
• Transcriptomic studies in cultured fibroblasts showing effects on dozens of gene-expression pathways related to repair and remodeling.

Stability and handling

Lyophilized GHK-Cu is stored cold and protected from light. The copper complex is sensitive to pH and reducing agents; researchers typically reconstitute immediately before use.

Sourcing

Innate Research ships GHK-Cu with a COA per batch. See our COA reading guide for what to verify.

References (representative)

• Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide. Int J Mol Sci. 2018.
• Pickart L, et al. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Res Int. 2015.