GHK-CU (75 mg)

What is GHK-Cu (75 mg)?

GHK‑Cu (75 mg) is a synthetic copper–tripeptide complex composed of glycyl‑L‑histidyl‑L‑lysine (GHK) and copper(II), found naturally in human plasma and tissues. This peptide is used in laboratory research to study copper’s role in tissue remodeling, gene expression, and oxidative stress responses.

In experimental systems, GHK‑Cu binds copper tightly, facilitating the study of copper’s role in cellular signaling, extracellular matrix regulation, and redox biology. The peptide’s ability to affect gene expression and protein dynamics makes it valuable for investigating wound repair, aging, and tissue regeneration processes.

Product Specifications

• CAS Number: 89030-95-5
• Peptide Sequence: Gly-His-Lys(Cu2+)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₁N₆O₄Cu
• Molecular weight: 401.91 g/mol
• Purity: ≥ 95% (typically verified via HPLC and mass spectrometry)
• Packaging Format: 75 mg lyophilized powder in sealed research-grade vial
• Appearance: Blue to blue-violet powder (characteristic of copper complexes)
• Storage Conditions: Store at −20 °C; protect from light and moisture
• Intended Use: For laboratory research use only

Key Characteristics of GHK-Cu (75 mg)

• Copper–peptide complex: Combines the GHK tripeptide with copper(II) to study copper-dependent cellular functions.
• High copper affinity: Tightly binds copper ions to modulate cellular signaling and redox reactions.
• Stimulates collagen synthesis: Has been reported to increase collagen production without increasing cell proliferation in fibroblast cultures.
• Wound healing: Has been shown to increase connective-tissue accumulation and collagen production in specific animal wound models.
• Gene‑expression modulation: Affects genes related to tissue remodeling, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• Dermal effects: Has been associated with changes in tissue density, elasticity, and matrix organization in skin models under controlled conditions.
• High purity: Suitable for reproducible research in cell-based assays and preclinical studies.

How GHK-Cu (75 mg) Supports Research

GHK‑Cu (75 mg) is used to study the role of copper in tissue repair, redox biology, and gene regulation. It provides a controlled method for investigating how copper affects collagen production, oxidative stress responses, and gene expression in cells and tissues.

Research has shown that GHK‑Cu can influence extracellular matrix turnover and tissue regeneration, making it valuable for studying wound healing, aging, and tissue repair mechanisms. It helps clarify how copper-binding peptides regulate cellular responses to stress and injury.

Research Applications & Usage Information

GHK-Cu (75 mg) is commonly used:

• Fibroblast and keratinocyte cultures: Studying collagen synthesis, glycosaminoglycan production, and matrix organization.
• Wound healing: Evaluating tissue repair and connective-tissue deposition in animal models.
• Dermal research: Assessing skin thickness, elasticity, and histological markers of matrix organization.
• Oxidative stress: Investigating copper’s role in antioxidant enzyme activity and stress response pathways.
• Copper transport and homeostasis: Studying copper uptake and transport, including competition with other copper-binding proteins.
• Neuronal models: Exploring copper-dependent signaling in neuronal and brain cells.
• Cancer research: Examining the effects of GHK‑Cu on gene expression in tumor cell lines, including invasion and survival markers.

GHK‑Cu is employed in various experimental settings to understand copper’s role in tissue remodeling, gene regulation, and stress responses. Findings are specific to the models used and are not intended for clinical or therapeutic application.

Handling and Storage Recommendations

To preserve structural integrity and copper coordination stability:

• Store lyophilized material at −20°C or below, in a dry, light-protected environment.
• Allow vials to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
• During reconstitution, use sterile water or buffer as required by the experiment.
• Mix gently. Invert or vortex briefly to dissolve; avoid vigorous mixing that may cause foaming.
• Divide into single-use aliquots immediately to prevent repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Store reconstituted aliquots at −20°C (short-term) or −80°C (long-term).
• Visually inspect the solution and discard any that appears discolored or contains particulates.

Proper labeling and documentation of reconstitution date and concentration are recommended for multi-phase experimental studies.

Research Use Only 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