GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide–metal complex identified in biological fluids and extracellular matrices. The peptide exhibits high affinity for divalent copper ions and has been extensively studied in laboratory research for its role in cellular signaling, tissue remodeling, and copper homeostasis.

Scientific investigation of GHK-Cu focuses on its biochemical interactions with fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and neuronal tissue models. All discussion herein is limited strictly to in-vitro and in-vivo animal research contexts and does not imply clinical, cosmetic, or therapeutic use.

Peptide Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (Cu²⁺)

GHK-Cu is a low-molecular-weight copper-binding tripeptide in which the histidine imidazole ring and terminal amine groups coordinate Cu²⁺ ions. This chelation stabilizes copper in a redox-controlled form suitable for experimental systems and limits nonspecific metal-induced oxidative activity.

Biochemical analyses demonstrate that the GHK-Cu complex interacts with extracellular matrix components, transcriptional regulators, and membrane-associated proteins. These properties make GHK-Cu a valuable molecular tool for studying copper-dependent enzymatic activity, redox signaling, and matrix remodeling under controlled laboratory conditions.

Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (Cu²⁺)
Molecular Formula: C14H23CuN6O4
Molecular Weight: 401.91 g/mol
PubChem CID: 73587
CAS Number: 89030-95-5

Source: PubChem

Source: PubChem

GHK-Cu is widely utilized in laboratory research to investigate fibroblast migration, immune-cell recruitment, angiogenic signaling, and extracellular matrix synthesis. Experimental systems include dermal fibroblast cultures, endothelial cell assays, neuronal regeneration models, and controlled animal studies.

Additional applications include investigation of oxidative stress modulation, antimicrobial peptide interactions, stem-cell–associated signaling markers, and transcriptional responses related to tissue regeneration under controlled experimental conditions.

Mechanistic studies indicate that GHK-Cu modulates multiple biochemical pathways, including integrin signaling, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulation, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of antioxidant response elements.

Gene-expression analyses further demonstrate that GHK-Cu can influence transcriptional networks associated with cellular migration, extracellular matrix turnover, neuronal survival, and redox balance. Copper sequestration by the peptide appears to limit metal-catalyzed oxidative stress, thereby affecting downstream signaling cascades.

Preclinical investigations of GHK-Cu include in-vitro fibroblast and keratinocyte models, neuronal regeneration assays, antimicrobial interaction studies, and multiple in-vivo animal models of tissue injury and inflammation.

Experimental observations report enhanced cellular migration, increased extracellular matrix deposition, modulation of inflammatory mediators, and altered gene-expression patterns associated with regeneration and stress response. These findings are presented solely as laboratory observations without implication of clinical, cosmetic, or therapeutic outcomes.

GHK-Cu is supplied as a synthetic research-grade peptide complex. Product identity and purity are confirmed using analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Batch-specific documentation is provided where applicable.

The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Loren Pickart, Ph.D. has released 109 publications and is developing patents and analyzing GHK’s effects on human gene expression of 4,192 genes. In addition to GHK’s published potential uses on skin inflammation, metastatic cancer and COPD, it appears to have beneficial effects on other tissue systems such as the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and mitochondrial system. His brief but detailed autobiography dives into the motivations and background behind his dedicating to skin, anti-aging, and life-long training.

Loren Pickart, Ph.D is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of GHK-Cu. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide Sciences and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide. Loren Pickart, Ph.D is listed in [1] [3] and [8] under the referenced citations.

1. L. Pickart, J. M. Vasquez-Soltero, and A. Margolina, “GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration,” BioMed Res. Int., vol. 2015, p. 648108, 2015. [BioMed Research International]
2. A. Gruchlik, E. Chodurek, and Z. Dzierzewicz, “Effect of GLY-HIS-LYS and its copper complex on TGF-β secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts,” Acta Pol. Pharm., vol. 71, no. 6, pp. 954–958, Dec. 2014. [PubMed]
3. L. Pickart and A. Margolina, “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data,” Int. J. Mol. Sci., vol. 19, no. 7, Jul. 2018. [PubMed]
4. X. Wang et al., “GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis,” Wound Repair Regen. Off. Publ. Wound Heal. Soc. Eur. Tissue Repair Soc., vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 270–278, 2017. [PubMed]
5. M. Kukowska, M. Kukowska-Kaszuba, and K. Dzierzbicka, “In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential and promising candidates for therapeutics in skin and tissue infections,” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 542–546, Feb. 2015. [Science Direct]
6. G. D. Mulder et al., “Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper,” Wound Repair Regen. Off. Publ. Wound Heal. Soc. Eur. Tissue Repair Soc., vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 259–269, Oct. 1994. [PubMed]
7. S. O. Canapp et al., “The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds,” Vet. Surg. VS, vol. 32, no. 6, pp. 515–523, Dec. 2003. [PubMed]
8. L. Pickart, J. M. Vasquez-Soltero, and A. Margolina, “The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline,” Brain Sci., vol. 7, no. 2, Feb. 2017. [PubMed]
9. H. Zhang, Y. Wang, and Z. He, “Glycine-Histidine-Lysine (GHK) Alleviates Neuronal Apoptosis Due to Intracerebral Hemorrhage via the miR-339-5p/VEGFA Pathway,” Front. Neurosci., vol. 12, p. 644, 2018. [PubMed]
10. X.-M. Zhou et al., “GHK Peptide Inhibits Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Suppressing TGFβ1/Smad-Mediated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition,” Front. Pharmacol., vol. 8, p. 904, 2017. [PubMed]
11. J.-R. Park, H. Lee, S.-I. Kim, and S.-R. Yang, “The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice,” Oncotarget, vol. 7, no. 36, pp. 58405–58417, Sep. 2016. [PubMed]
12. L. А. Sever’yanova and M. E. Dolgintsev, “Effects of Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys in Pain-Induced Aggressive-Defensive Behavior in Rats,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 164, no. 2, pp. 140–143, Dec. 2017. [Springer]
13. L. А. Sever’yanova and D. V. Plotnikov, “Binding of Glyprolines to L-Arginine Inverts Its Analgesic and Antiagressogenic Effects,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 165, no. 5, pp. 621–624, Sep. 2018. [PubMed]

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The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body.  These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease.  Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.

For Laboratory Research Only. Not for human use, medical use, diagnostic use, or veterinary use.