GHK-Cu (50 mg) is a research-grade complex formed by binding the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) with a copper ion (Cu²⁺). Known in the scientific literature as the copper peptide GHK-Cu, it transports copper within biological systems and is associated with various cellular process-related changes under investigation.

Due to its small size and copper-binding ability, it has been widely examined in studies involving tissue-repair-related responses, cellular signaling, and oxidative-balance-related readouts.

GHK-Cu (50mg) Key Features & Specs

• Subcategory: Healing & Regenerative Peptides
• Strength: 50 mg
• CAS: 89030-95-5
• Chemical Formula: C₁₄H₂₁N₅O₄Cu
• Molecular Weight: 401.91 g/mol
• Peptide Sequence: Gly-His-Lys(Cu²⁺)
• Synonyms: Copper peptide, GHK, Tripeptide, GHK-Cu acetate, Gly-His-Lys-Cu(II)

For laboratory research use only.

GHK-Cu (50mg) Research Uses

Researchers have studied GHK-Cu in several biological systems related to tissue repair and cellular communication. Because copper plays an important role in enzyme activity and structural protein formation, copper-binding peptides are often used to explore how they influence cellular behavior-related processes.

Common research applications include:

• Extracellular Matrix Biology: Studies examining collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production in connective tissues.
• Wound-Healing Models: Experiments evaluating how peptide signaling may influence cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling.
• Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Laboratory work assessing antioxidant-enzyme-activity-related readouts and cellular-response-related processes to environmental stress.
• Gene-Expression Analysis: Research exploring how small regulatory peptides may influence transcription patterns in various tissues.

Using these experimental systems, research on the GHK-Cu tripeptide helps scientists explore how copper-binding peptides may influence multiple aspects of cellular function.

GHK-Cu (50mg) Insights & Observed Findings

Experimental data provide several insights into how the copper peptide GHK-Cu behaves in laboratory models.

• Cell Culture Studies: Early cell culture studies found that very low concentrations of GHK-Cu could stimulate collagen production in human fibroblasts. In these experiments, collagen synthesis increased at concentrations ranging from approximately 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁹ mol/L, suggesting that the peptide may influence extracellular matrix metabolism-related processes even at very low levels.
• Connective-Tissue Research: Additional studies examining connective-tissue cells have reported increases in elastin production and changes in enzymes responsible for matrix remodeling. These experiments showed that GHK-Cu could influence both matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), indicating a coordinated role in regulating tissue remodeling.
• Wound Repair: Animal models of wound repair have also been used to explore the peptide’s biological activity. In some rodent studies, topical or localized delivery of GHK-Cu was associated with changes in granulation-tissue-related formation, collagen-content-related values, and vascular-density-related readouts during the healing process.
• Gene-Expression Analyses: Large-scale gene-expression analyses have suggested that GHK may affect thousands of genes involved in inflammatory pathways, antioxidant defense processes, and cellular maintenance mechanisms. These findings highlight the peptide’s potential as a tool for studying complex biological networks in GHK-Cu research, although such observations remain within experimental settings.

GHK-Cu (50mg) Handling & Storage

GHK-Cu (50mg) should be handled using standard laboratory procedures appropriate for peptide compounds. The lyophilized material is typically stored at low temperatures to help maintain structural integrity before use.

Recommended handling practices include storing the vial at –20 °C or below in a dry environment protected from direct light and moisture. Researchers should allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening it to minimize exposure to condensation.

If reconstituted for experimental use, solutions should be prepared using sterile laboratory techniques and stored under refrigerated conditions for use in the same experimental session or as specified by the investigator, and protected from light.

All handling and disposal should follow institutional laboratory safety procedures and applicable regulatory guidelines.

Compliance Notice: This product is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human or veterinary use. It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications. Any reference to biological activity or potential effects is based solely on preclinical or in-vitro findings and should not be interpreted as validated clinical outcomes. Researchers are responsible for ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal in accordance with institutional, federal, and international guidelines.

References

1. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/73587 
2. Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, Gillery P, Monboisse JC, Borel JP. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide‐copper complex glycyl‐L‐histidyl‐L‐lysine‐Cu2+. FEBS Letters. 1988;238(2):343-346. doi:10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x
3. Maquart FX, Bellon G, Chaqour B, et al. In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 1993;92(5):2368-2376. doi:10.1172/jci116842
4. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. The Human Tripeptide GHK-CU in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Degenerative Conditions of aging: Implications for Cognitive Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2012;2012:1-8. doi:10.1155/2012/324832
5. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-CU peptide in the light of the new gene data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987. doi:10.3390/ijms19071987
6. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero J, Margolina A. The effect of the human peptide GHK on gene expression relevant to nervous system function and cognitive decline. Brain Sciences. 2017;7(2):20. doi:10.3390/brainsci7020020