Research compound overview

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1): Structure, Research Overview and Specifications

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide made of glycine, histidine and lysine (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with a copper(II) ion. First isolated from human plasma in 1973, it has become one of the most studied peptides in skin biology, tissue-remodelling and gene-expression research. This page summarises its chemistry, the published research and the specifications of the material we supply.

ClassCopper tripeptide

SequenceGly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺

Mol. weight≈ 401.9 g/mol

CAS89030-95-5

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For in vitro research use only. Not for human or animal use. Nothing on this page is medical advice.

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It has a very high affinity for copper(II) ions, and in biological fluids it exists largely as the GHK-Cu complex. In cosmetic ingredient listings it appears under the INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1. In research settings it is used to study copper transport, fibroblast behaviour, extracellular-matrix remodelling and gene regulation.

Chemical data

Discovery and natural occurrence

GHK was isolated from human plasma albumin by Dr Loren Pickart in 1973, during work showing that plasma from younger donors altered protein synthesis in liver tissue from older donors. Its structure was confirmed as glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine in 1977.

GHK-Cu occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva and urine. Published figures put plasma levels at roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20, falling to about 80 ng/mL by age 60. That age-related decline is one reason the peptide attracted interest in ageing and tissue-repair research.

Proposed mechanisms studied

Researchers have investigated several overlapping mechanisms:

• Copper delivery. GHK binds Cu²⁺ tightly enough to carry it, but can still donate it to copper-dependent enzymes such as lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin cross-linking) and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defence).
• Extracellular-matrix regulation. Cell-culture studies report effects on collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans and on the metalloproteinases and inhibitors that remodel the matrix.
• Gene-expression modulation. Analyses using the Broad Institute’s Connectivity Map suggest GHK is associated with changes in expression of a large number of human genes, including genes involved in tissue repair, antioxidant pathways and inflammation.

What the published research shows

Collagen and fibroblast studies

In fibroblast cultures, GHK-Cu has been reported to increase synthesis of collagen and other matrix components at very low (nanomolar) concentrations. This work underpins its long history in skin-biology research.

Wound and tissue-remodelling models

Animal wound models have described faster wound contraction, increased blood-vessel formation and improved tissue organisation after GHK-Cu application. The reviews listed below summarise these studies.

Gene-expression data

Pickart and Margolina (2018) reviewed Connectivity Map data suggesting that GHK shifts gene-expression patterns toward those associated with tissue repair and away from patterns linked to inflammation and tissue destruction. They proposed that this broad activity may explain the variety of effects seen in earlier experiments.

Cosmetic science

Copper tripeptide-1 is widely used in topical cosmetic formulations. Controlled facial studies have reported improvements in skin appearance measures, although sample sizes are generally small.

Limitations of the evidence

• Much of the literature is in vitro or in animals. Clinical data are mostly limited to small cosmetic studies.
• A significant part of the published work comes from a small number of research groups.
• Gene-expression “connectivity” data show association, not proven cause and effect.

Regulatory status

GHK-Cu is used as a cosmetic ingredient. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is not approved as a drug by the MHRA, FDA or EMA. Sterling Research supplies it only as a research reagent for in vitro laboratory use.

Storage and handling in the lab

• Store lyophilised powder at −20 °C, sealed and protected from light and moisture.
• Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
• Prepare solutions to your laboratory’s validated protocols, with appropriate PPE and aseptic technique.
• GHK-Cu solutions are typically blue. A colour change can indicate a change in copper coordination or pH.

Frequently asked questions

What does GHK-Cu stand for?

GHK stands for the three amino acids glycine, histidine and lysine. “Cu” is the chemical symbol for copper, which the peptide binds.

Is GHK-Cu the same as copper tripeptide-1?

Yes. Copper tripeptide-1 is the INCI (cosmetic ingredient) name for the GHK-Cu complex.

Why is GHK-Cu blue?

The colour comes from the copper(II) ion bound to the peptide, the same reason many copper(II) compounds are blue.

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?

GHK is the tripeptide on its own. GHK-Cu is the tripeptide complexed with copper(II), which is the form most studied in tissue-remodelling research.

Is GHK-Cu legal to buy in the UK?

GHK-Cu is not a controlled substance in the UK and is widely used in cosmetics. We supply it only as a research reagent for in vitro use.

References

1. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. doi:10.3390/ijms19071987
2. Pickart L, Margolina A. Skin Regenerative and Anti-Cancer Actions of Copper Peptides. Cosmetics. 2018;5(2):29. mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/29
3. PubChem. Cu-GHK, CID 378611. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This page is for scientific information only. Sterling Research Group Ltd supplies GHK-Cu strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or animal use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.