GHK-Cu
Copper (II) Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Complex
GHK-Cu is a human plasma-derived tripeptide with stoichiometric affinity for copper(II) ions. Researched for its capacity to modulate gene expression involved in tissue remodeling, upregulate procollagen and elastin biosynthesis, and stimulate in vitro dermal fibroblast migration.
Indexed for laboratory in vitro receptor binding assays and cellular synthesis research. Commercial materials are procured as non-clinical reagents under verified laboratory standards.
Chemical Structure & Metrics
Structured Chemical & Preclinical Profile
1. Chemical Identity & Sequence Architecture
GHK-Cu (Copper (II) Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Complex) is an analytically characterized peptide with empirical formula C14H24CuN6O4 (MW 403.93 g/mol). CAS Registry: 49557-75-7.
2. Primary Preclinical Signaling Axis
Investigated in preclinical assays for cellular signaling: Coordinate bonding with divalent copper Cu2+, delivering bio-available copper directly to lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase.
3. Physical Formats & Delivery Matrices
Synthesized predominantly as high-purity lyophilized powder cakes, with secondary pre-metered pen cartridges and solution atomizers cataloged across vendors.
4. Reconstitution & Analytical Handling
Recommended reconstitution with Bacteriostatic Water USP or Sterile Saline. Lyophilized cake stored at -20°C protected from light. Solution stable at 2°C to 8°C refrigerated (stable 35 days).
Signaling Pathways & Laboratory Handling Protocols
Documented Receptor Pathways & In Vitro Signaling
Coordinate bonding with divalent copper Cu2+, delivering bio-available copper directly to lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase.
Direct stimulation of dermal fibroblast procollagen type I and type III mRNA transcription.
Modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1).
Downregulation of inflammatory master regulator NF-kB and suppression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 overactivation.
Distinguished by its characteristic intense royal blue appearance upon copper coordinate complexation. Evaluated in dermal fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and follicular cellular transition models.
Handling Parameters
Peptide Dilution & Reconstitution Calculator
Compute stock concentrations, micro-pipetting draw volumes, and U-100 syringe units with zero procedural guesswork.
Slowly introduce bacteriostatic diluent against the internal glass vial wall. Swirl gently in a circular horizontal rotation. Never shake or vortex vigorously to prevent mechanical shearing of delicate peptide bonds. Store reconstituted stock at 2°C–8°C.
Partner & Vendor Catalogues for GHK-Cu
Independent partner directory providing research-grade lyophilized vials, cartridges, atomizers, and reconstitution solvents.
Category hub featuring research-grade lyophilized vials, pens, and blends.
Full catalogue category hub with multiple mg vial sizes and blends.
Dedicated category hub listing research vials and cartridges.
UK-stocked research reagent catalogue hub featuring batch-verified peptide lots.
Global catalogue hub including international dispatch batches.
Academic Bibliography & Preclinical Studies for GHK-Cu
Primary academic indexing sourced from PubMed and peer-reviewed biotechnology journals documenting molecular mechanisms and in vitro cellular response.
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling
GHK-Cu accelerates healing of ischemic open wounds in rats
Frequently Asked Chemical & Analytical Questions
Authoritative scientific clarifications regarding GHK-Cu classification, molecular pathways, and laboratory protocols.
GHK-Cu (Copper (II) Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Complex) is an analytically characterized peptide compound with empirical molecular formula C14H24CuN6O4 and molecular weight 403.93 g/mol. It is indexed under CAS Registry Number 49557-75-7 and categorized in research literature under Dermal & Extracellular Matrix.