GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring peptide complexed with copper that has been widely studied in both cosmetic science and biomedical research. It has attracted significant attention for its potential roles in skin health, wound healing, hair follicle activity, and tissue regeneration. As a research peptide, GHK-Cu provides a fascinating avenue for exploring copper’s biological interactions within cellular systems.

Area of Interest

Laboratory studies of GHK-Cu have investigated a variety of promising areas:

• Skin & Wound Healing: Explored for its ability to influence collagen synthesis, tissue remodeling, and recovery processes in preclinical models.
• Hair Research: Studied for potential effects on hair follicle activity, with research interest in growth and regeneration pathways.
• Anti-Inflammatory Pathways: Investigated for its role in modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in cellular models.
• Aging Research: Considered an exciting candidate for studies into skin firmness, elasticity, and cellular renewal processes.

Together, these findings highlight GHK-Cu as an exciting peptide of interest where copper biology and peptide activity intersect.

Technical Information

• Chemical Name: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(II)
• Synonyms: Copper Tripeptide-1, Iamin
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
• Molecular Weight: 403.86 g/mol (peptide alone ~340 g/mol; with Cu²⁺ complex ~403.86 g/mol)
• Sequence (Amino Acid): Gly-His-Lys
• CAS Number: 49557-75-7
• Peptide Classification: Naturally occurring tripeptide complexed with copper

Storage Guidelines

• Lyophilized peptide is stable at room temperature for short periods.
• For long-term storage, keep at −20°C or below.
• Once reconstituted, store at 2–8 °C. Effective use depends on the solution used.
  

Solubility

GHK-Cu is soluble in sterile water and common aqueous buffers depending on formulation.

References

• Pickart, L., & Margolina, A. (2018). “Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), 1987. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071987
• Pickart, L., Thaler, M. M., & Millard, M. (1973). “Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in hepatoma cells.” Nature, 243, 85–87. https://doi.org/10.1038/243085a0
• McCormack, M. C., et al. (2014). “Copper peptide GHK-Cu stimulates wound healing, angiogenesis, and hair follicle enlargement in animal models.” Wound Repair and Regeneration, 22(2), 163–172. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12137

Certificate of Analysis (COA): Available here