GHK-Cu (Copper tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex studied in preclinical models for collagen synthesis, wound healing, hair follicle activation, and skin repair.
Product definition
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Copper tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex studied in preclinical models for collagen synthesis, wound healing, hair follicle activation, and skin repair.
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)) is a tripeptide-copper complex that occurs naturally in human plasma, liver tissue, and saliva. Originally isolated by Loren Pickart in the 1970s during investigation of plasma factors affecting liver cell growth, the compound has since developed a broad research profile spanning dermatology, wound healing, and aging biology.
The copper binding is integral to the molecule's proposed mechanism: GHK acts as a carrier that delivers copper to tissue sites where it serves as a cofactor for lysyl oxidase — the enzyme responsible for cross-linking collagen and elastin fibers in the extracellular matrix. Beyond copper delivery, GHK-Cu has been shown to modulate gene expression across hundreds of genes in cell culture models, including upregulation of tissue repair genes and downregulation of inflammatory signaling genes. The research base spans Pickart's foundational work through contemporary studies in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine preclinical research.
Research context
How is GHK-Cu described in the research literature?
GHK-Cu promotes extracellular matrix remodeling via upregulation of TGF-β, MMP activation, and fibroblast proliferation. Copper-mediated lysyl oxidase co-factor activity supports collagen and elastin cross-linking. In preclinical models, the complex has been associated with wound contraction acceleration, hair follicle stimulation, and anti-inflammatory effects across dermal injury systems.
Compound profile
Key facts about GHK-Cu
- Class
- Copper tripeptide complex
- Sequence
- Gly-His-Lys (complexed with Cu²⁺)
- Molecular weight
- ~340 Da (peptide); ~341 Da (Cu complex)
- CAS
- 89030-95-5
- Origin
- Endogenous — found in human plasma, saliva, urine
- Research category
- Dermal repair, wound healing, hair follicle, collagen synthesis
- Storage
- Lyophilized: −20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days
Research areas
What research areas is GHK-Cu associated with?
- Studied in preclinical models for collagen synthesis stimulation and extracellular matrix remodeling
- Investigated for wound healing acceleration including wound contraction and re-epithelialization
- Researched for hair follicle stimulation and anagen-phase promotion in rodent hair regrowth models
- Examined for anti-inflammatory mechanisms including macrophage polarization in dermal injury models
- Copper delivery supports lysyl oxidase activity — the enzyme cross-linking collagen and elastin fibers
- Naturally occurring plasma peptide with documented age-related concentration decline — relevant for aging research
Research audience
Who researches GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is used by researchers in dermal biology, wound healing, hair follicle physiology, collagen synthesis, and skin aging. It is relevant to cosmetic science preclinical work, regenerative medicine, and investigators studying copper-peptide biology and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Preclinical research overview
What does the preclinical literature say about GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu was originally characterized by Loren Pickart while studying the effect of albumin-derived fractions on liver cell regeneration. The finding that a tripeptide-copper complex — present in plasma at concentrations that decline with aging — could stimulate tissue repair processes set the foundation for subsequent research across multiple biological systems.
In dermal wound healing research, GHK-Cu has been studied across in vitro fibroblast and keratinocyte models and in vivo rodent wound models. Consistently documented effects include accelerated wound closure, increased dermal collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis in wound beds. These effects have been associated with TGF-β1 upregulation and VEGF promotion in experimental systems.
In hair biology research, the compound has been studied in mouse and rat models for its effect on telogen-to-anagen transition and hair follicle size. Some rodent studies document increased hair count and follicle density in treated versus control areas. The proposed mechanism involves DHT pathway modulation and direct growth factor stimulation at the follicular level.
GHK-Cu also has a substantial transcriptomic research footprint: Pickart's group published analyses of GHK-Cu effects on gene expression suggesting broad anti-inflammatory, pro-survival, and tissue-remodeling gene expression patterns across multiple cell types.
Common questions
Frequently asked about GHK-Cu
What is the research basis for GHK-Cu's wound healing effects?
Multiple in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies have examined GHK-Cu's effect on fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and wound closure. The proposed mechanistic pathway involves TGF-β1 upregulation and VEGF promotion, both of which are documented in cell culture and rodent wound models. Copper co-factor activity for lysyl oxidase provides a biologically plausible mechanism for extracellular matrix stabilization.
How does GHK-Cu compare to other tissue repair peptides like BPC-157?
GHK-Cu and BPC-157 have distinct research profiles. GHK-Cu research is concentrated in dermal biology, collagen synthesis, and hair follicle models — with copper co-factor activity as a key mechanistic dimension. BPC-157 research concentrates on gut-barrier integrity, tendon/ligament repair, and NO-system angiogenesis. They are mechanistically distinct and are sometimes combined in multi-peptide formulations (the Glow Blend on this site) where their separate tissue targets are both relevant to the research design.
What is the storage protocol for GHK-Cu?
Lyophilized GHK-Cu is stable at −20°C. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within approximately 30 days. The copper complex can undergo oxidation in solution over time — minimize exposure to light and air during storage and handling.
Research Use Only
Sold for laboratory and research purposes only. Not approved for, nor intended for, human or veterinary consumption, diagnostic use, or therapeutic application. These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Keep out of reach of children. For use by qualified researchers only.
Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or a clinical protocol. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health or treatment decisions.
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