GHK-CU | Research Grade | COA Verified

Description

Research area: Copper-peptide tissue remodeling and ECM research

Product Description

GHK-Cu is the complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) bound to a copper(II) ion. First isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973, plasma GHK concentrations decline with age in research populations. It is fundamentally a copper-carrier tripeptide and is distinct from growth-hormone-releasing peptides; its histidine-containing sequence provides the high-affinity copper-chelation site central to its activity. This 50 mg presentation is intended for reconstitution in extracellular-matrix, fibroblast, and keratinocyte research where defined nanomolar concentrations of the copper complex are required.

Mechanism & Research Context

In fibroblast and keratinocyte model systems GHK-Cu acts at low nanomolar concentrations as a modulator of extracellular-matrix turnover, stimulating both synthesis and breakdown of collagen and glycosaminoglycans and balancing matrix metalloproteinases against their inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Transcriptomic studies report modulation of thousands of genes tied to tissue regeneration, antioxidant defense (including glutathione-pathway and superoxide dismutase genes), and inflammatory signaling, with copper delivery central to its redox and remodeling effects.

Research Applications

• Studying nanomolar-range collagen and glycosaminoglycan turnover in fibroblasts
• Investigating MMP/TIMP-1/TIMP-2 balance in extracellular-matrix remodeling assays
• Transcriptomic profiling of tissue-regeneration and antioxidant gene sets
• Modeling copper-delivery and redox modulation in keratinocyte cultures
• Angiogenesis and fibroblast-recruitment research in wound-model systems

Storage & Handling

• Store sealed vials in a cool, dark place for short-term storage and frozen for long-term storage.
• After reconstitution, refrigerate and protect from light and heat.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; handle using standard laboratory safety and aseptic technique.

Product Specifications

• Compound class: Copper-binding tripeptide complex
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: ≥ 99% (HPLC verified)
• Appearance: Blue to blue-green powder (copper complex)
• Third-party tested: Yes — Certificate of Analysis (COA) on this product page

Quality & Third-Party Testing

Every batch of GHK-CU is independently third-party tested in the USA for identity and purity, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available on this product page.

Compliance Notice

GHK-CU is for research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use and has not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing, the buyer represents and warrants that it will be used solely for in-vitro laboratory research.