What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a copper(II) complex with a synthetic (or naturally occurring) tripeptide with the sequence Gly–His–Lys. It constitutes a stable chelate complex in which the Cu²⁺ ion is coordinated by the imidazole nitrogens of histidine, the α-amino group of glycine, and the deprotonated nitrogen of the peptide bond. This compound was isolated and characterised in the 1970s as part of research into factors present in blood plasma. Due to the high stability constant of the complex and good solubility in an aqueous environment, GHK-Cu has become a useful model for research into peptide-metal interactions and copper-dependent cell signalling.

In experimental studies, GHK-Cu has been used to analyse mechanisms related to the modulation of gene expression, extracellular matrix remodelling, and the cellular response to oxidative stress. Its effect on the regulation of signalling pathways associated with the synthesis of matrix components (including collagen and glycosaminoglycans), antioxidant enzyme activity, and cell migration and adhesion processes in in vitro models has been described. Attention has been drawn to its interactions with copper ions and its indirect influence on redox homeostasis under experimental conditions.

Due to the precisely defined chemical structure of the complex and the high reproducibility of the observed biological effects in preclinical models, GHK-Cu is used as a research tool in molecular biology, cell biology and experimental pharmacology. In the scientific literature, it is also utilised as a reference peptide-metal complex for the evaluation of copper-dependent signalling processes and for the validation of analytical methods used in the study of short bioactive peptides. The preparation is intended exclusively for research work.

Disclaimer

Products in this category are not medicines, foodstuffs or dietary supplements. The products are classified as chemical reagents/reference materials authorised for marketing within the European Union and may be used exclusively for laboratory scientific research.