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GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
CAS 89030-95-5 · C14H24N6O4·Cu · 340.83 g/mol
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), with the molecular formula C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺, CAS number 89030-95-5, and molecular weight 403.91 g/mol. First isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 by Loren Pickart, GHK-Cu is among the most extensively characterized copper-binding tripeptides in biochemistry research literature, with peer-reviewed studies spanning tissue remodeling, antioxidant response, gene expression regulation, and skin biology.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | 2-[3-(2-amino-1-carbamoylethyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium-1-yl]acetyl-glycyl-L-lysine copper(II) |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺ |
| Molecular Weight | 403.91 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 73241 |
| Synonyms | Copper tripeptide-1, GHK-Cu, Copper peptide GHK, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex |
| Appearance | Blue crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water |
| Origin | First isolated from human plasma albumin (1973) |
Historical Development and Discovery
GHK-Cu was first identified by Loren Pickart and colleagues in a landmark 1973 study published in Nature New Biology (PMID: 4126108), demonstrating that albumin-associated peptides from human plasma promoted DNA synthesis in aged hepatocytes. Pickart subsequently characterized the active fragment as the copper-bound tripeptide GHK-Cu.
Over five decades of follow-on research have characterized GHK-Cu’s roles in regulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), modulating gene expression related to tissue repair, and its capacity to chelate and transport copper(II) ions. A 2018 comprehensive review by Pickart et al. in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (PMID: 30002284) catalogued findings across multiple tissue types and biological research systems.
Chemical Architecture and Structural Features
GHK-Cu consists of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys coordinated with a single Cu(II) ion. The copper center is coordinated through the α-amino group of glycine and the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, forming a square-planar complex characteristic of type-2 copper binding sites. The lysine residue contributes to the molecule’s overall charge distribution and aqueous solubility without participating directly in copper coordination.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Net Charge | +1 (cationic complex) |
| Copper Oxidation State | Cu(II), paramagnetic |
| Coordination Geometry | Square planar (type-2 copper site) |
| UV/Vis Absorption | ~220 nm (peptide bond); ~600 nm visible (blue coloration) |
| Cu(II) Binding Affinity | ~10¹⁵ M⁻¹ (high affinity) |
| Aqueous Stability | Stable at pH 6–8; avoid strong oxidizing or reducing conditions |
Research Mechanisms
Published research literature proposes several mechanisms by which GHK-Cu exerts effects in laboratory model systems:
- Copper chaperone activity: GHK-Cu facilitates transport and bioavailability of copper(II) ions, which serve as essential cofactors for enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lysyl oxidase.
- Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) regulation: Studies report GHK-Cu modulates MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression in dermal fibroblast models, contributing to extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover research.
- Gene expression modulation: Microarray studies identified GHK-Cu as associated with modulation of over 4,000 genes in human cell systems, including pathways related to collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense.
- Antioxidant activity: GHK-Cu has been studied for capacity to reduce oxidative damage in cell models, potentially through copper-mediated activation of antioxidant enzyme systems including SOD and catalase.
- Integrin and receptor interactions: Research suggests GHK interacts with integrins and cell surface receptors, which may contribute to observed effects on cellular migration and proliferation in model systems.
Research Areas
Wound Biology and Tissue Remodeling
GHK-Cu has been extensively studied in wound biology research models. Research by Dou et al. (2019) in Archives of Dermatological Research reported GHK-Cu promoted cellular proliferation and migration in scratch assay models. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have examined its role in collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblast cell systems.
Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Research
The copper(II) coordination of GHK-Cu has attracted research interest in the antioxidant field. Published studies have examined its effects on oxidative stress markers in cell culture systems and its capacity to modulate superoxide dismutase activity — a consistent area of research focus across multiple laboratories.
Skin Biology and Dermatology Research
GHK-Cu is among the most studied peptides in skin biology literature. Gorouhi and Maibach (2009) in International Journal of Cosmetic Science (PMID: 18702614) reviewed topical peptide research including GHK-Cu’s role in extracellular matrix studies. Research has examined its effects on elastin, decorin, and collagen gene expression in dermal cell models.
Neuroscience Research
More recent literature has examined GHK-Cu in neurological research contexts. Pickart et al. (2017) in Brain Sciences (PMID: 28208808) examined GHK’s effect on gene expression relevant to nervous system function. Copper dysregulation is implicated in several neurodegenerative conditions, and GHK-Cu’s copper-binding properties have prompted investigation in CNS cell model research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAS number for GHK-Cu?
The CAS number for GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is 89030-95-5. Its PubChem CID is 73241, molecular formula is C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺, and molecular weight is 403.91 g/mol. The IUPAC name is 2-[3-(2-amino-1-carbamoylethyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium-1-yl]acetyl-glycyl-L-lysine copper(II).
What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK (Gly-His-Lys) is the free tripeptide without bound copper. GHK-Cu refers specifically to the copper(II) complex. Published research in cell models suggests the copper-complexed form has distinct biological activity compared to the free peptide, largely attributed to the copper coordination chemistry and resulting conformational differences.
How does GHK-Cu coordinate copper ions?
GHK-Cu coordinates Cu(II) in a square-planar arrangement through the α-amino group of glycine and the imidazole nitrogen of histidine. This type-2 copper coordination geometry gives the complex its characteristic blue-green color in aqueous solution and a high binding affinity for Cu(II) ions (approximately 10¹⁵ M⁻¹).
When was GHK-Cu first discovered?
GHK-Cu was first identified in 1973 by Loren Pickart and colleagues, published in Nature New Biology (PMID: 4126108). Pickart isolated the tripeptide from human plasma albumin and demonstrated its effects on DNA synthesis in aged hepatocyte cell models — establishing the foundation for over five decades of subsequent research.
What is GHK-Cu’s molecular weight?
GHK-Cu has a molecular weight of 403.91 g/mol. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺. The compound is a cationic complex with a net charge of +1 at physiological pH and is freely soluble in water, forming a characteristic blue-to-blue-green solution.
How many genes does GHK-Cu modulate in research models?
Microarray analysis research identified GHK-Cu as associated with modulation of approximately 4,000 human genes in cell-based research systems. The gene sets identified span pathways including collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, inflammation regulation, and tissue remodeling — making GHK-Cu an active subject of peptide-mediated gene regulation research.
What purity standard does ITide’s GHK-Cu meet?
Research-grade GHK-Cu is typically characterized at ≥98% purity by HPLC as a minimum industry benchmark. ITide Laboratories’ GHK-Cu has been independently verified at ≥99% purity by third-party testing. Batch-specific purity data and Certificate of Analysis documentation are available at our GHK-Cu COA page.
Is GHK-Cu available as a research compound?
ITide Laboratories supplies GHK-Cu (100mg) as a research-grade compound for laboratory research purposes by qualified professionals. It is not intended for human, animal, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. View our GHK-Cu 100mg product listing or access the Certificate of Analysis for purity verification data.
Published Research
- Pickart L, Thaler MM. Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver. Nat New Biol. 1973;243(124):85-87. PMID: 4126108
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):2178. PMID: 30002284
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988. PMID: 18400265
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sci. 2017;7(2):20. PMID: 28208808
- Dou Y, Lee A, Bhatt P, et al. GHK-Cu complex promotes wound healing through cellular proliferation and migration. Arch Dermatol Res. 2019;311(7):543-553.
- Gorouhi F, Maibach HI. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2009;31(5):327-345. PMID: 18702614
GHK-Cu supplied by ITide Laboratories is intended for laboratory research purposes by qualified professionals only. Not for human, animal, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. This compound has not been evaluated by the FDA for clinical application, is not manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing research compounds apply.
ITide Laboratories supplies GHK-Cu and related peptides as reference materials for laboratory research use by qualified professionals.
Browse Research Compounds →Research Use Only Disclaimer
GHK-Cu (CAS 89030-95-5) is intended for laboratory research purposes by qualified professionals only. Not for human, animal, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. This compound has not been evaluated by the FDA for clinical application, is not manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing research compounds apply.