GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 / Cu-GHK) | 100 mg
Manufactured by BioChain USA · United States of America
For research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. This compound is sold exclusively for in vitro research, laboratory, and analytical purposes by BioChain USA. It is not a drug, supplement, or therapeutic product of any kind.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a copper-complexed tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine (GHK) bound to a copper(II) ion. Also referenced in the literature as Copper Tripeptide-1 and Cu-GHK, it is described as a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide complex found in human plasma. In published research, it is frequently studied for its relationship to extracellular matrix signaling, tissue remodeling markers, oxidative stress pathways, and wound-model biology.
Chemical Reference Data
| Molecular Formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | ~403.9 g/mol |
| Peptide Length | 3 amino acids (Gly-His-Lys tripeptide) |
| Structural Classification | Copper(II)-complexed tripeptide |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Also referenced as | Cu-GHK; Copper tripeptide-1; 6BJQ43T1I9 |
Structure and Copper Complexation
GHK-Cu is described in published literature as a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide complex in which the copper ion acts as a structural and potentially functional component of the complex. The copper ion is presented in research contexts as a stabilizing element that may influence how the GHK sequence interacts with cellular systems in experimental settings.
A mechanistic theme frequently discussed in the literature is that the Gly-His-Lys sequence may appear endogenously during collagen breakdown, and may then act as a biological signal influencing fibroblast behavior — potentially modulating collagen production, repair markers, and extracellular matrix composition. The copper component is discussed in relation to copper-dependent enzyme activity and redox signaling pathways.
BioChain USA does not make medical claims. Research context does not equal clinical outcome data.
Research Applications
GHK-Cu is used as a research material to investigate how copper-peptide complexes influence:
- Extracellular matrix composition — collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan-related signaling and biosynthesis pathways
- Fibroblast behavior and collagen signaling — collagen synthesis markers, procollagen expression, and matrix remodeling endpoints in cell models
- Tissue repair markers in wound models — granulation tissue formation, wound closure readouts, and neovascularization endpoints in preclinical systems
- Oxidative stress endpoints — ROS/RNS/RCS measurements, antioxidant enzyme activity, and reactive carbonyl species interactions
- Inflammation-related pathway signaling — cytokine modulation, NF-κB-related signaling themes, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) markers
- Skin-relevant cell biology — keratinocyte activity, skin topography endpoints, and dermal thickness measurements in model systems
Key Research Themes in the Literature
1. Collagen Synthesis and Tissue Remodeling (Fibroblast-Focused)
Published work proposes that GHK-Cu may influence collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling by interacting with fibroblast-related signaling. One mechanistic theme is that the Gly-His-Lys sequence may appear during collagen breakdown and subsequently act as a biological signal that shifts collagen production and repair markers in fibroblast model systems.
The literature also references studies comparing GHK-Cu to other compounds in photodamaged skin models, where investigators measured outcomes related to dermal procollagen synthesis, keratinocyte activity, and inflammation-associated markers.
2. Combination Studies (GHK-Cu and Hyaluronic Acid)
A referenced line of research explores combined exposure of dermal fibroblasts to GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid, testing outcomes across multiple collagen types and ratios. Published findings describe certain combination ratios as being associated with stronger collagen IV-related signals than either compound alone, with proposed mechanistic explanations involving reduced oxidative stress and matrix degradation pathway modulation.
3. Wound Infection and Inflammation Markers
The literature references both animal model and clinical study contexts examining GHK-Cu in relation to wound-associated inflammation markers and infection-related endpoints. A highlighted murine study describes lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in treated wounds compared to controls — markers commonly measured as indicators of inflammation intensity and matrix breakdown activity.
These are preclinical study contexts. BioChain USA does not represent these findings as consumer outcomes.
4. Wound Healing Models (Granulation Tissue and Vascular Markers)
Published wound healing studies — including rabbit models and ischemic wound models — report measurement outcomes such as:
- Time to visible granulation tissue formation
- Changes in wound area over defined time intervals
- Inflammation cell counts at wound sites
- Neovascularization and vessel-related marker readouts
Some studies discuss faster closure-related outcomes in GHK-Cu treatment arms, noting that effect sizes may vary by wound size and experimental design. These are study-level observations only.
5. Reactive Species and Oxidative Stress (ROS/RNS/RCS)
Photodamage and inflammatory model research commonly measures reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and carbonyl species that can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA. The literature references research themes where the GHK-Cu sequence is discussed as potentially interacting with reactive carbonyl species (RCS) and influencing oxidation-related processes in model systems.
Additional themes include copper handling in damaged tissue, reductions in oxidation-associated readouts, and models proposing decreased inflammatory cytokine levels alongside increased antioxidant enzyme activity in GHK-Cu-exposed experimental systems.
6. Skin Topography Models (Surface Texture, Density, Thickness)
Multiple studies in the literature evaluate GHK-Cu in skin-related model systems over multi-week timelines, measuring skin attributes such as:
- Wrinkle depth and surface texture measurements
- Skin density and thickness endpoints
- Elasticity, hydration, and clarity measures in model systems
- Keratinocyte proliferation markers in histology-based analyses
BioChain USA does not position these as consumer promises. They are literature themes used in research discussion contexts only.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- COA provided where available for the specific batch shipped.
- The batch COA is the authoritative reference for analytical methods, purity data, and lot-specific testing for that shipment.
- COA information is batch-specific and is not interchangeable between lots.
Storage and Handling
General peptide handling guidance for research use:
- Store in a cool, dry, dark environment.
- Protect from light — lyophilized peptides can degrade under UV exposure.
- Follow standard peptide handling protocols to minimize moisture exposure.
- Avoid repeated open-close cycles that introduce humidity to the lyophilized material.
BioChain USA does not provide instructions for human or animal administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this product for human use?
No. GHK-Cu is not approved or intended for human or veterinary use. It is sold exclusively for in vitro research, laboratory, and analytical purposes. It is not a drug, supplement, or therapeutic product of any kind.
What is GHK-Cu used for in research?
Common research applications include extracellular matrix signaling studies (collagen and elastin pathways), fibroblast behavior and tissue remodeling models, wound biology research, oxidative stress endpoint measurement, inflammation marker modulation, and skin-relevant cell biology. Specific applications depend on the researcher's study design and objectives.
Do you provide dosing instructions or administration protocols?
No. BioChain USA does not provide dosing guidance, administration instructions, or protocols for human or animal use. Researchers are responsible for designing in vitro study protocols appropriate to their applications and institutional requirements.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes, where available. COAs are batch-specific documents reflecting the analytical testing and purity data for that particular lot. The COA included with your order is the authoritative reference for that batch. Availability may vary by lot.
Compliance and Disclaimers
- Sold for research, laboratory, or analytical purposes only.
- Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
- Not for human or animal consumption.
- Purchaser assumes full responsibility for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing the purchase and use of research compounds.