All information below describes the compound's chemical identity, laboratory handling, and the published research literature. It describes molecular targets and results in laboratory and animal models only — not effects in humans — and is not evidence of any human benefit.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is a copper-binding tripeptide complex composed of the amino acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) coordinated to a copper(II) ion, and is commonly designated glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(2+) in the literature. The free GHK tripeptide was first isolated from human plasma by Pickart and colleagues, and the molecule has since been identified at measurable concentrations in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Unlike many research peptides, GHK occurs endogenously; its copper-coordinated form is the complex most often characterized in the published record.
It is supplied as a reference compound for in vitro and animal research use only. The sections below summarize its chemical identity, laboratory handling, the molecular targets and model systems examined in the published literature, and the primary references — without describing outcomes, efficacy, or effects in humans.
Research Targets & Pathways
Published preclinical literature has examined GHK-Cu in relation to several molecular systems. These are pathway associations reported in laboratory and animal models; refer to the cited studies for methods and findings.
- Copper coordination chemistry — examined in relation to copper(II) binding stoichiometry and copper-transport behavior of the tripeptide complex.
- Collagen & extracellular-matrix gene expression — examined in relation to collagen, elastin, decorin, and fibronectin expression in fibroblast systems.
- Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) axis — studied in relation to MMP and lysyl-oxidase activity in matrix-remodeling assays.
- VEGF / angiogenesis signaling — examined in relation to VEGF and angiogenesis-associated gene activation in wound-chamber and transcriptomic datasets.
- NF-κB & cytokine signaling — investigated in relation to TNF-α, IL-1, and NF-κB pathway activity in stimulated cell systems.
- Antioxidant-enzyme pathways — examined in relation to superoxide dismutase and other antioxidant-enzyme induction in cell culture.
- DAF-16 / SKN-1 longevity axis — studied in relation to this stress-response pathway in an invertebrate aging model.
- p53 / DNA-repair gene expression — examined in relation to p53 and DNA-repair gene changes under genotoxic-stress conditions.
Model Systems Studied
GHK-Cu has been used as a test compound across a range of published preclinical model systems, including rodent and other animal models and in vitro cell assays. Refer to the cited literature for study designs, endpoints, and findings.
- In vitro — human dermal fibroblast cultures (collagen/matrix and gene-expression assays); LPS-stimulated macrophage cultures; oxidative-stress and genotoxic-stress cell models.
- Dermal / wound — canine pad-wound model; pig skin wound model; rat wound-chamber implant model.
- Hair follicle — topically treated murine follicle model.
- Gastrointestinal — experimental colitis model.
- Inflammation — CuSO4- and LPS-exposed zebrafish larvae.
- Aging / longevity — C. elegans aging model.
- Ex vivo — skin-permeation diffusion assays of the tripeptide complex.
Molecular & Technical Profile
C14H24CuN6O4 | MW 403.93 g/mol | CAS 89030-95-5 | Sequence: Gly-His-Lys : Cu(2+)
Storage, Reconstitution & Working Concentrations
Storage, reconstitution, and working-concentration values are general laboratory guidance for in vitro and animal research; always confirm against the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Current Research Status
As of the time of this writing, GHK-Cu has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any human therapeutic use. The available evidence base is primarily preclinical, derived from cell-culture, rodent, and other animal and invertebrate models. While the breadth of studied molecular targets is notable, translation to human clinical contexts has not been established through controlled clinical trials. Ongoing research continues to characterize the compound's mechanistic profile and identify which experimental findings may have translational relevance.
Research FAQ
Is GHK-Cu approved for human use?
No. GHK-Cu has not been approved by the FDA for any human therapeutic use. The evidence base is preclinical (rodent, cell-culture, and other model systems), and the compound is supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human consumption.
What is GHK-Cu's molecular formula and sequence?
A copper-binding tripeptide complex, sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) coordinated to copper(II) — molecular formula C14H24CuN6O4, MW 403.93 g/mol, CAS 89030-95-5.
How is GHK-Cu stored and reconstituted?
Store lyophilized at −20°C, desiccated and protected from light. Reconstitute in sterile water or aqueous buffer (PBS); store the reconstituted solution at 2–8°C for up to ~28 days and avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
What targets and model systems has GHK-Cu been studied in?
Preclinical work has examined copper coordination chemistry, collagen/extracellular-matrix and MMP gene expression, VEGF-associated angiogenesis signaling, NF-κB and cytokine pathways, antioxidant-enzyme induction, and the DAF-16/SKN-1 axis — across fibroblast cultures, rodent and canine wound models, zebrafish larvae, and C. elegans.
Selected References
- Pickart et al. - GHK-Cu isolation, copper coordination stoichiometry, and plasma concentration characterized by biochemical assay - J Biol Chem, 1989
- Pickart et al. - Regenerative and protective actions of GHK-Cu reviewed across gene expression datasets - Int J Mol Sci, 2018
- Wang et al. - GHK peptide structure, copper-binding chemistry, and anti-aging mechanisms reviewed - Aging Pathobiol Ther, 2020
- Maquart et al. - Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis quantified in GHK-Cu treated fibroblast cultures - FEBS Lett, 1988
- Simeon et al. - Decorin and fibronectin expression measured in GHK-Cu stimulated fibroblast matrix deposition assay - J Invest Dermatol, 2000
- Swaim et al. - Wound closure rate and tissue repair measured in GHK-Cu injected pad wounds in a canine model - Am J Vet Res, 1996
- Buffoni et al. - Wound healing rate and lysyl oxidase activity measured in GHK-Cu treated pig skin wound model - Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther, 1995
- Rotstein et al. - Capillary blood vessel ingrowth quantified in GHK-Cu implanted rat wound chamber model - J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 1994
- Pickart et al. - TNF-alpha and IL-1 production inhibition measured in GHK-Cu treated LPS-stimulated macrophage cultures - Biochem Pharmacol, 1992
- Dou et al. - NF-kB pathway activation and inflammatory gene expression measured in GHK-Cu treated oxidative stress cell model - Int J Mol Sci, 2017
- Pickart et al. - Superoxide dismutase and antioxidant enzyme induction quantified in GHK-Cu exposed cell culture systems - J Aging Sci, 2015
- Liu et al. - Lifespan extension, mitochondrial function, and DAF-16/SKN-1 pathway activation measured in GHK-Cu treated C. elegans aging model - Biogerontology, 2026
- Cangul et al. - p53 and DNA repair gene expression changes measured in GHK-Cu treated fibroblast genotoxic stress model - J Cell Biochem, 2012
- Malhotra et al. - Hair follicle size, density, and anagen phase duration measured in GHK-Cu topically treated murine model - J Am Acad Dermatol, 1995
- Chen et al. - Colonic inflammation markers, cytokine profiles, and mucosal integrity assessed in GHK-Cu treated experimental colitis model - Front Pharmacol, 2025
- Gorouhi et al. - Tolerability, adverse event incidence, and trial methodology limitations reviewed across published GHK-Cu topical studies - Int J Dermatol, 2007