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GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1, CAS 49557-75-7 as copper complex) is the copper(II) chelate of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), with the GHK peptide having a molecular weight of 340.4 Da plus coordinated Cu²⁺. Naturally occurring in human plasma, saliva, and urine at micromolar concentrations, GHK-Cu is a high-affinity copper transport peptide that declines significantly with age. It is among the most studied peptides in wound healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cosmetic dermatology research.

Technical Specifications

Property Value
CAS Number 49557-75-7
Molecular Weight 340.4 Da (GHK) + Cu²⁺ (~403.9 Da as copper complex)
Molecular Formula C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄·Cu²⁺
Purity ≥98% (HPLC-verified)
Appearance Characteristic blue lyophilized powder
Solubility Soluble in sterile water and aqueous buffers
Storage -20°C (lyophilized), 2–8°C (reconstituted)

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu exerts its biological effects through copper-dependent and copper-independent mechanisms. The GHK tripeptide binds copper(II) with exceptionally high affinity (log K = 16.5) in a square-planar coordination involving the N-terminal amino group, the histidine imidazole nitrogen, and two deprotonated amide nitrogens. This complex efficiently delivers copper ions to cellular copper transporters (CTR1) for incorporation into copper-dependent enzymes including lysyl oxidase (critical for collagen and elastin cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defense), and cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial respiration). Independently of copper delivery, the GHK peptide acts as a transcriptional modulator: it upregulates collagen types I, III, and IV gene expression in fibroblasts, suppresses TGF-β1-induced scar formation by modulating SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, and stimulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) — collectively regulating ECM remodeling. GHK-Cu also promotes angiogenesis through VEGF induction and enhances nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis.

Research Applications

  • Primary: Extracellular matrix biology — collagen synthesis, elastin cross-linking, scar remodeling
  • Secondary: Wound healing and tissue regeneration, skin aging and photoaging models, copper homeostasis and metalloenzyme research
  • Model Systems: In vitro (human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocyte co-cultures, MatTek skin equivalents), in vivo (excisional wound models, UV-induced photoaging models)

Quality Control & Analytical Methods

  • HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
  • Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation (340.4 Da GHK peptide; copper content by ICP-MS)
  • Peptide Content: Amino acid analysis (AAA) for net peptide content determination
  • Endotoxin: <1 EU/mg (LAL assay)
  • TFA Content: <1% (ion chromatography)

Stability & Storage

Condition Stability
-20°C (lyophilized) 24 months
4°C (lyophilized) 6 months
25°C (lyophilized) 1 month
Reconstituted (4°C) 7 days
Reconstituted (-20°C) 30 days

Key Research References

  • Pickart (2008) — The human tripeptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. PMID: 18477578
  • Pickart et al. (2015) — The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Biomed Res Int. PMID: 26558201
  • Simeon et al. (2000) — Activation of collagen synthesis by GHK-Cu in dermal fibroblasts. J Invest Dermatol. PMID: 11069624

Source & Purchase

For researchers requiring research-grade GHK CU with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.

View GHK CU Product →

FAQ

Q: What purity level is standard for GHK-Cu? A: HK Peptides supplies GHK-Cu at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.

Q: How should GHK-Cu be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized GHK-Cu should be stored at -20°C, protected from light. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).