Research Notice: All peptides sold by The Peptide Store are intended for laboratory research purposes only. They are not for human consumption, not approved by the FDA, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Research summary: GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart. It occurs in plasma, saliva, and urine, is elevated in wound fluid, and its plasma concentration declines with age. It is one of the most extensively studied peptides in dermatological and tissue-biology research, with in vitro work examining collagen production and tissue remodeling. Sold for laboratory research use only.
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper complex first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart. It represents one of the most extensively studied peptides in dermatological and tissue biology research, with hundreds of published studies examining its role in cellular signaling and tissue remodeling.
Natural Occurrence and Chemistry
GHK-Cu occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine, and is found at elevated concentrations in wound fluid. The tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) has a high affinity for copper(II) ions, forming a stable complex believed to be the biologically active form. Plasma concentrations naturally decline with age.
Collagen and Skin Remodeling Research
In vitro studies have observed increased collagen production in fibroblast cultures treated with GHK-Cu. Research published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology and related journals has examined the signaling pathways involved. Studies have also examined GHK-Cu’s effects on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, central to tissue remodeling dynamics.
Gene Expression Research
More recent work has examined GHK-Cu’s effects on gene expression at scale. Studies have suggested the peptide influences the expression of hundreds of genes involved in tissue repair, anti-inflammatory pathways, and cellular metabolism — a broader systems biology perspective that represents a current direction in the field.
Antioxidant Signaling
Research has examined GHK-Cu’s interaction with copper as an essential cofactor for superoxide dismutase (SOD), and its potential role in oxidative stress modulation in cell culture and animal models.