Browse / GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide · skin & remodeling research

Injectable 1–2 mg (research injectable); topical models also common Once daily WELL DESCRIBED IN VITRO

Overview

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It is widely studied in dermal remodeling, antioxidant gene expression, and wound models. Catalog items remain research reagents. All catalog material is for laboratory research use only.

Key Benefits

Collagen and extracellular-matrix gene expression, wound and cosmetic-research models, hair-follicle research interest, antioxidant gene papers in fibroblasts.

Mechanism of Action

GHK has high affinity for Cu2+. The complex is reported to influence collagen, glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and a large set of remodeling genes in microarray studies of human fibroblasts and skin.

Quick Start Guide

Typical Dose 1–2 mg (research injectable); topical models also common
How Often Once daily
Where to Inject Abdomen or thigh; topical for dermal research
Injection Timing Any time of day
Effects Timeline Skin-quality research often 4–12 weeks
Storage Lyophilized cool and dark; reconstituted refrigerate, protect from light
Cycle Length 8–12 weeks
Break Between 4 weeks

Molecular Information

Weight: ~340.4 g/mol (free tripeptide)
Length: 3 amino acids
Type: Copper tripeptide
Formula: C14H24N6O4 (GHK)

Amino Acid Sequence Gly-His-Lys (GHK; supplied as copper(II) complex)

Research directions

Dermal matrix Well described in vitro

Collagen and remodeling transcripts

Antioxidant genes In vitro

SOD and related pathways in fibroblast papers

Pharmacokinetics

Peak topical/local models dominate

Half-life short peptide in plasma

Cleared rapid systemic clearance expected

Much of the literature is topical or in vitro.

Literature

Pickart, GHK-Cu gene expression — 2015 · Review. Skin remodeling and gene-expression overview.