Research Compendium/GHK-Cu
Anti-Ageing & LongevityResearch OnlyNot For Human Consumption

GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide-1 · Skin Glow peptide · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide - collagen stimulation, genomic repair activation, and skin regeneration research.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) that forms a stable complex with copper(II) ions. Endogenous levels decline with age. Primary mechanisms: stimulation of collagen, elastin, and decorin synthesis; activation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase); anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation; and upregulation of >30 genes associated with repair and regeneration. Genomic research (Pickart & Margolina, 2018) identified >4000 gene interactions - including DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and anti-inflammatory pathways - positioning GHK-Cu as a potential master regulatory signal.

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

  • Collagen and elastin synthesis (dermal repair, Skin Glow)
  • Wound healing - topical and systemic models
  • Hair follicle regeneration
  • Genomic expression profiling (repair and longevity genes)
  • Lung tissue protection (fibrosis, COPD models)

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Gene Expression Regulation - 4000+ Genes

2018

Bioinformatic analysis identified GHK-Cu interacting with >4000 genes, upregulating DNA repair, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial function pathways.

Ref: Pickart & Margolina, Sci World J

Collagen and Elastin Stimulation

1988

Dose-dependent upregulation of procollagen I and III in dermal fibroblasts, with elastin and decorin co-stimulation.

Ref: Maquart et al., FEBS Lett

RESEARCH PROTOCOL NOTES

Topical concentration0.1–2% in cosmeceutical research formulations
Systemic research0.5–2 mg SC or IV in animal studies
Available formatsVial (50–100mg), Pen (Skin Glow 100mg - Peptide Pen)

Chemical Identity

Molecular FormulaC14H22CuN6O4
Molecular Weight340.8 g/mol (copper complex)
CAS Number49557-75-7
Half-Life (t½)<1 hour in plasma; tissue Cu²⁺ binding extends local residence
SolubilityHighly soluble in water; characteristic blue solution

Sequence

Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺

Storage & Stability

Lyophilised: 2–8°C for years. In solution: maintain pH 6.0–6.5 to prevent copper dissociation. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, 30 days. Blue/teal colour is normal - confirms intact Cu²⁺ complex.

Regulatory Status

GRAS as cosmetic ingredient (CIR 2007). Topical = cosmetic/unscheduled. Injectable/systemic = research compound. Not WADA prohibited.

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