Overview
GHK-Cu is a copper-bound tripeptide consisting of three amino acids — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys, GHK) — complexed with a divalent copper ion (Cu2+). GHK itself is found endogenously in mammalian blood plasma at picomolar concentrations and declines with age in published serum studies. The copper-bound form (GHK-Cu) is the bioactive complex used in research applications and is not approved for human use in any jurisdiction.
Research Context
GHK-Cu appears in the preclinical literature for its interactions with copper-binding proteins, redox biology, and gene-expression modulation. The compound’s distinctive copper chelation chemistry places it in its own structural class — most research peptides are pure-protein structures, whereas GHK-Cu is a metallopeptide whose copper coordination is central to its activity. A widely-cited 2010 transcriptomic analysis catalogued effects on over 4,000 human genes in cultured fibroblast preparations, making GHK-Cu one of the most extensively-profiled peptides in research-grade transcriptomics literature.
Mechanism Summary (Research Framing)
Published research characterizes GHK-Cu as a high-affinity copper carrier and modulator of copper-dependent enzyme systems. Mechanistic studies investigate its influence on lysyl oxidase activity (a copper-dependent extracellular matrix cross-linking enzyme), antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD family enzymes), and broad gene-expression patterns. The copper coordination geometry is critical to activity — GHK without copper has different binding kinetics and gene-expression signatures than GHK-Cu, and the compound’s characteristic deep-blue color is a visual indicator of intact copper coordination.
Storage Parameters
Lyophilized GHK-Cu is stable for 24 months or longer at −20°C in its sealed vial, protected from light and moisture. Significant color change from the characteristic deep-blue may indicate copper dissociation. Reconstituted aqueous solutions must be kept refrigerated and are not freeze-stable for repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Detailed COA and lot-specific stability information accompanies each Solira Lab vial. See how Solira verifies every lot →
Related Research Compounds
- BPC-157 — synthetic pentadecapeptide, paired with GHK-Cu and TB-500 in the GLOW Stack research blend
- TB-500 — Thymosin Beta-4 fragment, cytoskeletal research
- BPC-157 vs. TB-500 — research-pathway comparison
