GHK-Cu (glycine-histidine-lysine copper peptide) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Discovered by Dr. Loren Pickart in the 1970s, it functions as a biological regulator with diverse roles in tissue repair, regeneration, and cellular signaling.
Mechanistic Claims
- Collagen & Elastin Synthesis: Stimulates fibroblasts to increase collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production, supporting extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Wound Healing & Angiogenesis: Promotes angiogenesis and accelerates tissue repair by enhancing growth factor activity.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates immune responses in damaged tissue.
- Antioxidant Protection: Scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage.
- Tissue Remodeling: Regulates metalloproteinase activity, balancing tissue breakdown and regeneration.
- Hair Growth & Skin Renewal: Investigated for stimulating follicle activity and improving dermal regeneration.
Research Applications
- Wound healing and tissue regeneration models
- Anti-aging and dermatological studies
- Hair growth and follicle stimulation research
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways
- Extracellular matrix remodeling investigations
GHK-Cu Research
References
- Pickart, L. (2008). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 19, 969 – 988. https://doi.org/10.1163/156856208784909435.
- Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J., & Margolina, A. (2015). GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/648108.
- Dymek, M., Olechowska, K., Hąc-Wydro, K., & Sikora, E. (2023). Liposomes as Carriers of GHK-Cu Tripeptide for Cosmetic Application. Pharmaceutics, 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15102485.
- Wang, X., Liu, B., Xu, Q., Sun, H., Shi, M., Wang, D., Guo, M., Yu, J., Zhao, C., & Feng, B. (2017). GHK‐Cu‐liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 25. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12520.
- Maquart, F., Bellon, G., Chaqour, B., Wegrowski, J., Patt, L., Trachy, R., Monboisse, J., Chastang, F., Birembaut, P., & Gillery, P. (1993). In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds.. The Journal of clinical investigation, 92 5, 2368-76 . https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI116842.
- Hou, G., & Zhou, X. (2018). Antioxidant and anti-inflammation effect of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. ILD/DPLD of known origin. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.CONGRESS-2018.PA2957.
- Zhang, Q., Yan, L., Lu, J., & Zhou, X. (2022). Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ attenuates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema and inflammation by reducing oxidative stress pathway. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2022.925700.
- Park, J., Lee, H., Kim, S., & Yang, S. (2016). The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Oncotarget, 7, 58405 – 58417. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.11168.
- Min, J., Sarlus, H., & Harris, R. (2024). Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine prevents copper- and zinc-induced protein aggregation and central nervous system cell death in vitro. Metallomics: Integrated Biometal Science, 16. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtomcs/mfae019.
- Tucker, M., Liao, G., Park, J., Rosenfeld, M., Wezeman, J., Mangalindan, R., Ratner, D., Darvas, M., & Ladiges, W. (2023). Behavioral and neuropathological features of Alzheimer’s disease are attenuated in 5xFAD mice treated with intranasal GHK peptide. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.20.567908.
- Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J., & Margolina, A. (2017). The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sciences, 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci7020020.
- Sun, L., Li, A., Hu, Y., Li, Y., Shang, L., & Zhang, L. (2019). Self‐Assembled Fluorescent and Antibacterial GHK‐Cu Nanoparticles for Wound Healing Applications. Particle & Particle Systems Characterization, 36. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppsc.201800420.
- Pickart, L., Biology, F., & Margolina, A. (2021). Modulation of Gene Expression in Human Breast Cancer MCF7 and Prostate Cancer PC3 Cells by the Human Copper-Binding Peptide GHK-Cu.. , 05, 1-1. https://doi.org/10.21926/OBM.GENET.2102128.
Peptide Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Molecular Formula | C14H24N6O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 340.38 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 49557-75-7 |
| PubChem CID | 73587 |
| Synonyms | glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine, 49557-75-7, Gly-his-lys, Prezatide, L-Lysine, glycyl-L-histidyl- |
GHK-Cu Peptide Structure
Source: PubChem
This PRODUCT IS INTENDED AS A RESEARCH CHEMICAL ONLY. This designation allows the use of research chemicals strictly for in vitro testing and laboratory experimentation only. All product information available on this website is for educational purposes only. This product should only be handled by licensed, qualified professionals. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and may not be misbranded, misused or mislabeled as a drug, food or cosmetic.