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Research Compound CatalogRecovery & Regenerative ResearchGHK-Cu Research Profile
Recovery & Regenerative Research
Research Use Only

Naturally Occurring Copper-Binding Tripeptide Complex

GHK-Cu

Copper-Binding Tripeptide Complex

Research StatusLiterature Reviewed Through: July 2026
Research Use Only
Updated Periodically

Research Profiles are reviewed periodically as new peer-reviewed literature becomes available.

Available Strength
50 mg / vial
CAS Number
49557-75-7
Recovery & Regenerative Research laboratory research
Recovery & Regenerative Research
Research at a Glance

Major published findings — summarized in under 30 seconds.

1
Stimulation of collagen and elastin production has been observed in skin and connective tissue models.
2
Acceleration of wound closure has been reported in dermal repair studies.
3
Regulation of a large number of genes involved in tissue remodeling has been identified in published bioinformatic analyses.
4
Antioxidant effects, including activation of superoxide dismutase, have been reported.
5
Modulation of inflammatory signaling has been observed in fibroblast and skin cell models.

What Is This Compound?

GHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide that occurs naturally in the human body — it is found in blood plasma, saliva, and urine. Researchers have noted that its levels decline significantly as people age, and this decline has been associated with reduced tissue repair capacity in aging studies. The compound has been studied for its potential roles in wound healing, collagen production, skin biology, and the regulation of genes involved in tissue maintenance. Its characteristic blue-green color comes from the copper it carries, which is also thought to contribute to some of its biological activity.

Continue below to see what published research has observed so far.

What Has Research Found?

1
Stimulation of collagen and elastin production has been observed in skin and connective tissue models.
2
Acceleration of wound closure has been reported in dermal repair studies.
3
Regulation of a large number of genes involved in tissue remodeling has been identified in published bioinformatic analyses.
4
Antioxidant effects, including activation of superoxide dismutase, have been reported.
5
Modulation of inflammatory signaling has been observed in fibroblast and skin cell models.

Want to understand why these findings occur? Continue to the scientific overview below.

The Science Behind It

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma concentrations decline significantly with age, and this decline has been correlated with reduced tissue repair capacity in aging research. GHK-Cu is studied for its roles in wound healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and gene expression regulation, with a published literature spanning dermatology, wound biology, and aging research.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu activates a broad range of genes involved in tissue remodeling, including those encoding collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans. It promotes the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in a coordinated manner that supports tissue turnover rather than fibrosis. The copper moiety contributes to antioxidant enzyme activation (superoxide dismutase) and may facilitate copper delivery to cuproenzymes involved in connective tissue biosynthesis. Research also implicates GHK-Cu in modulating TGF-β signaling and inflammatory cytokine expression.

Key Research Characteristics
Naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine — declines with age
Reported to modulate over 4,000 human genes in published bioinformatic analyses
Coordinates MMP and TIMP activity to support tissue turnover without promoting fibrosis
Copper moiety activates superoxide dismutase and delivers copper to cuproenzymes
Characteristic blue-green color serves as a visual indicator of intact copper complex formation
Studied across dermatology, wound biology, and aging research with extensive published literature

Research Applications

Collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis research
Wound healing and dermal repair biology
Aging and senescence biology studies
Antioxidant defense and oxidative stress research
Gene expression regulation in tissue remodeling

Compound Specifications

Available Strength
50 mg / vial
Appearance
Blue to blue-green powder or crystalline solid
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions
−20 °C; protect from light and moisture
Storage After Reconstitution
4 °C in amber vials up to 14 days; −20 °C for long-term storage
Molecular Formula
C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight
403.9 g/mol
CAS Number
49557-75-7
Research Status
Research Use Only (RUO)

Scientific References

1.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.
2.Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108.
3.Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969–988.
4.[Placeholder] Peer-reviewed publication on GHK-Cu TGF-β signaling modulation in fibroblast models.
5.[Placeholder] Technical reference: copper coordination chemistry and stability data for GHK-Cu.

Placeholder entries are reserved for peer-reviewed publications. All references are provided for scientific context only.

Current State of Research

Research Use Only

All information presented on this Research Profile is intended exclusively for laboratory research purposes. This compound is designated Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or any clinical application. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

This material is sold solely for in vitro research and laboratory investigation by qualified scientific personnel. Kali Research LLC makes no representations regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any use outside of controlled laboratory research settings. Researchers are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and institutional regulations governing the use of research compounds.

Not for human consumptionNot for veterinary useNot for clinical applicationQualified researchers onlyIn vitro / laboratory use
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Research Profile
Specifications
Available Strength50 mg / vial
AppearanceBlue to blue-green powder or crystalline solid
Purity≥98% (HPLC)
Storage Conditions−20 °C; protect from light and moisture
Storage After Reconstitution4 °C in amber vials up to 14 days; −20 °C for long-term storage
Molecular FormulaC₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight403.9 g/mol
CAS Number49557-75-7

Need additional technical documentation? Submit an inquiry and our team will respond.

Research Use Only (RUO). Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or clinical application.