GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Regenerative & Gene-Modulating Research Tripeptide | Klene Peptides
For Research Use Only | Not for Human or Veterinary Administration
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide — Glycine-Histidine-Lysine in complex with copper(II) — first isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. At the peak of biological youth (approximately age 20), GHK plasma concentrations reach roughly 200 ng/mL; by age 60, this concentration has declined to approximately 80 ng/mL — a 60% reduction that correlates with deteriorating tissue repair capacity, increased inflammatory tone, and impaired antioxidant defense. GHK-Cu has been shown through comprehensive transcriptomic analysis to upregulate 84 protective genes and silence 111 inflammation- and cancer-associated genes, making it one of the most gene-expression-active small peptides documented in the research literature. Its roles in wound healing, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory signaling, and neuroregeneration have made it a high-value tool across multiple research disciplines. Klene Peptides supplies GHK-Cu to USA research institutions with verified purity and same-day fulfillment.
Every vial from Klene Peptides includes:
- ≥99%+ purity — verified by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry)
- Same-day shipping for all USA orders
Chemical Identity & Structural Profile
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Copper(II) complex of Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Copper Coordination | Cu²⁺ chelated by histidine imidazole nitrogen, glycine N-terminus, and carboxylate groups |
| Tripeptide Molecular Weight | ~340.38 g/mol (free tripeptide) |
| GHK-Cu Complex Molecular Weight | ~403.93 g/mol |
| CAS (GHK-Cu) | 89030-95-5 |
| CAS (GHK free peptide) | 49557-75-7 |
| Endogenous Source | Human plasma, saliva, urine |
| Plasma Concentration (Age 20) | ~200 ng/mL |
| Plasma Concentration (Age 60) | ~80 ng/mL |
| Appearance | Light blue to blue-green powder (copper complex) |
| Solubility | Water, saline; excellent aqueous solubility |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20°C, protected from light; Reconstituted: 4°C, use within 14 days |
The copper(II) ion is integral to GHK-Cu’s biological activity — it participates directly in antioxidant chemistry (superoxide dismutase-like activity), collagen cross-linking facilitation, and enzyme cofactor interactions. The coordination complex is stable at physiological pH and does not release free copper at research concentrations.
Mechanism of Action
GHK-Cu’s pharmacology is exceptionally broad for a tripeptide, operating through transcriptional, paracrine, and enzymatic mechanisms simultaneously:
Primary Molecular Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Target / Pathway | Research Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen I & III Synthesis | Fibroblast activation; TGF-β modulation | Skin and wound repair research |
| Elastin Synthesis | Tropoelastin upregulation | Skin elasticity and anti-aging models |
| VEGF Upregulation | Endothelial proliferation signaling | Angiogenesis and wound vascularization |
| MMP-2 Upregulation | Extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme | Controlled tissue remodeling and scar research |
| TIMP-1/2 Modulation | MMP activity balancing | Regulated ECM remodeling protocols |
| NF-κB Inhibition | Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine transcription | Anti-inflammatory research |
| SOD-like Antioxidant Activity | Copper-mediated ROS neutralization | Oxidative stress attenuation models |
| FGF7 (KGF) Upregulation | Keratinocyte proliferation signaling | Wound re-epithelialization and hair follicle biology |
| BDNF Upregulation | Neurotrophic factor expression | Neuroregeneration and neuroprotection research |
| Stem Cell Signaling | Stromal progenitor recruitment | Tissue regeneration and repair models |
Gene Expression Profile
GHK-Cu is one of the few small peptides to have undergone comprehensive transcriptomic profiling. Published microarray data demonstrates:
| Direction | Gene Count | Key Gene Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Upregulated | 84 genes | Collagen synthesis, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, DNA repair, barrier function |
| Downregulated | 111 genes | Inflammation pathways, oncogenic signaling, pro-apoptotic genes under stress |
Source: Pickart et al., Scientific World Journal 2014; Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci 2018
Pharmacokinetic & ADME Profile
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | ~403.93 g/mol (complex) | Small; highly favorable tissue penetration |
| Routes (Research) | SC, IV, topical, intradermal | Excellent topical penetration due to small MW |
| Plasma Half-Life | ~30–60 minutes | Rapid clearance; local tissue effect duration longer |
| Tissue Distribution | Skin, liver, kidney, CNS | Broad distribution; copper integrated into metabolic pool |
| Metabolism | Peptidase hydrolysis; copper redistribution via ceruloplasmin | Standard tripeptide degradation pathways |
| Excretion | Renal | Free copper returns to metabolic copper pool |
| Topical Penetration | High | Demonstrated trans-epidermal penetration in multiple models |
Research Applications
Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
| Model | Observed Effect | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Full-thickness skin wounds | Accelerated closure; improved tensile strength | Collagen I/III + VEGF + FGF7 upregulation |
| Burns and skin grafts | Enhanced re-epithelialization | Keratinocyte proliferation + angiogenesis |
| Mucosal wound models | Faster healing with reduced inflammation | NF-κB inhibition + collagen remodeling |
| Surgical incision | Improved cosmetic and tensile outcomes | Balanced MMP/TIMP-mediated ECM remodeling |
Anti-Aging & Dermatological Research
| Research Area | Mechanism | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Skin thickness and elasticity | Collagen/elastin synthesis stimulation | Human clinical studies |
| Wrinkle reduction | ECM remodeling and fibroblast activation | Comparative trials vs. retinol and Vitamin C |
| Photoaging repair | Antioxidant activity; MMP-2 mediated remodeling | In vitro and in vivo models |
| Hyperpigmentation | Tyrosinase pathway modulation | Depigmentation research models |
Hair Biology & Alopecia Research
GHK-Cu has been studied in androgenic alopecia and follicle biology:
- Prolongs anagen (growth) phase of hair cycle
- Stimulates follicular keratinocyte proliferation via FGF7/KGF upregulation
- Inhibits TGF-β1-driven suppression of follicle stem cell activity
- Increases follicular vascularization via VEGF
Neuroprotection & CNS Research
- BDNF upregulation in neuronal culture models
- Protection against oxidative neuronal damage via SOD-like activity
- Anti-inflammatory signaling in microglial activation models
- Alzheimer's-associated gene set modulation: downregulation of APP-processing-related genes demonstrated in transcriptomic data
Oncology Research
GHK-Cu’s transcriptional silencing profile includes multiple cancer-relevant genes:
- Suppression of c-Myc target genes
- VEGF modulation in tumor angiogenesis research context
- Meta-analysis of cancer gene expression databases: inverse correlation between GHK gene targets and cancer outcome severity
Research Dosing Reference
For scientific reference only — not prescriptive recommendations
| Research Model | Reported Dose Range | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wound healing (rodent) | 1–10 mg/kg | SC, topical | 7–21 days |
| Hair follicle research | 1–5 mg/mL (topical) | Topical application | 4–12 weeks |
| Neuroprotection models | 1–50 µM | Cell culture | Per experiment |
| Anti-aging (dermal) | 0.5–2% concentration (topical formulation) | Topical | Per study design |
| In vitro assays | 1–100 µM | Cell culture media | Per experiment |
Dosing derived from published preclinical and clinical research literature.
Reconstitution Reference
| Lyophilized Amount (each peptide) | Sterile/Bacteriostatic Water | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2.0 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | 5.0 mL | 2.0 mg/mL |
Klene Peptides Quality Standards
Certificate of Analysis — Standard Parameters
Every batch supplied by Klene Peptides is verified against the following analytical benchmarks:
| Test | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (both components) | ≥99% | HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) |
| Molecular Identification | Confirmed for each component | HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry) |
| Water Content | <1.5% | — |
What Every Klene Peptides Order Includes
- Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis traceable to synthesis batch
- Verified cold-chain shipping — all orders dispatched with appropriate cold-pack packaging
- Same-day fulfillment — orders placed before cutoff ship the same business day
Ordering GHK-Cu for Your Research Program
Important Research Compliance Notice
All products sold by Klene Peptides are strictly for in vitro research and laboratory investigation purposes only. GHK-Cu supplied by KlenePeptides.net has not been evaluated by the FDA for human safety or efficacy. It is not approved for human or veterinary administration. Purchase, possession, and use must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This content is intended for licensed researchers and qualified scientific personnel only.
Scientific References
- Pickart L, Margolina A. "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data." Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration." BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108.
- Pickart L. "The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling." J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988.
- Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. "Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin." Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009;31(5):327-345.
- Dou Y, et al. "GHK-Cu promotes the synthesis of collagen by dermal fibroblasts." J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021.
- Abdulghani AA, et al. "Study of hair follicle anagen phase in alopecia research." J Drugs Dermatol. 2008.
- PubChem. GHK-Cu. CID: 73479. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov