GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a 1:1 complex between the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys and a divalent copper ion (Cu²⁺). The peptide itself (Glycyl-L- Histidyl-L-Lysine, "GHK") is a naturally-occurring fragment produced when plasma proteins are cleaved during tissue injury; in plasma, its concentration declines markedly with age. GHK binds Cu²⁺ at physiologically-relevant concentrations to form a square-planar tetracoordinate complex with the copper held between the histidine imidazole, the histidine α-amine, and the terminal amine and carboxylate of the tripeptide.

NMChem supplies GHK-Cu as a 50 mg lyophilised acetate salt of the copper complex; CAS Registry Number 89030-95-5, molecular formula C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄, molecular weight 403.91 g/mol. The compound is characteristic blue-purple in colour due to the copper-imidazole charge-transfer transition.

GHK-Cu's mechanism is multimodal. The most-cited activities are (1) modulation of copper-dependent enzymatic activity — notably superoxide dismutase, lysyl oxidase and tyrosinase — through provision of a labile copper pool; (2) regulation of gene expression in fibroblasts (an Affymetrix expression study by Pickart and colleagues identified ~4,000 genes modulated by GHK at physiological concentrations); and (3) direct stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis by dermal fibroblasts.

Copper itself is essential to several wound-healing enzymes (lysyl oxidase for collagen crosslinking, ceruloplasmin for iron homeostasis), so the GHK-Cu complex effectively delivers bioavailable copper in a peptide-chaperoned form.

Investigated in models of dermal wound healing, hair-follicle regeneration, and ex-vivo skin biopsy preparations. The characteristic blue-purple colour means GHK-Cu also appears in cosmetic-research formulations distinct from its laboratory use as a reference standard.

Researchers also commonly investigate the related copper- peptide AHK-Cu (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysyl copper) alongside GHK-Cu; the two share the same coordination chemistry but differ in the N-terminal residue.

Supplied as a research-grade reference standard for laboratory use only. Not a licensed medicinal product in the United Kingdom and not approved by the MHRA for human or veterinary administration. Sale is restricted to researchers, institutions and laboratory professionals; the compound must be retained within research premises. End-user compliance with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (where applicable) and local institutional biosafety policy is the responsibility of the buyer.