GHK-Cu
Overview
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It is widely used in laboratory and preclinical research as a model peptide to investigate biological processes such as collagen expression, angiogenesis, antioxidant activity, and cellular signaling pathways in various in vitro and animal model systems.
Research Applications (Observational Data from Published Studies) The following points summarize observations reported in scientific literature and are provided solely for informational and research-planning purposes:
- Skin-Related Research In vitro and animal model studies have reported that GHK-Cu can increase collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblast cultures and modulate markers associated with photoaging in rodent skin models.
- Wound-Healing Models In preclinical animal studies, topical or systemic administration of GHK-Cu has been observed to accelerate wound closure rates, enhance angiogenesis, and increase fibroblast activity in excisional, burn, and ischemic wound models.
- Hair Follicle Research In ex vivo human hair follicle organ culture and rodent models, GHK-Cu has been shown to prolong the anagen (growth) phase, enlarge follicle size, and upregulate genes associated with dermal papilla cell function.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Research In cell culture and animal inflammation models, GHK-Cu has demonstrated the ability to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and reduce markers of oxidative stress.
- Nerve Regeneration Studies In vitro neuronal cell lines and rodent nerve injury models have shown that GHK-Cu can promote neurite outgrowth and protect cells against certain forms of oxidative damage.
Important Legal Disclaimer
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, cosmetic, or food purposes. Not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency. Researchers are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional guidelines.
Chemical Information
- Sequence: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (complexed with copper(II))
- Common Name: Copper tripeptide-1, GHK-Cu
- Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄ · Cu
- Molecular Weight: 403.38 g/mol (copper complex)
- CAS Number: 49557-75-7
- PubChem CID: 78173678 (copper complex) / 5311164 (historical)
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