— Research monograph
GHK-Cu
A copper-binding tripeptide studied for skin remodeling and repair signaling.
- Class
- Copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + Cu²⁺)
- Half-life (research)
- Short serum half-life (minutes) reported in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies.
- Origin
- Isolated from human serum by Loren Pickart in 1973 as a factor that, when added to liver cultures from elderly donors, restored a younger gene-expression profile.
- Solubility
- Highly soluble in bacteriostatic water; presents a distinctive blue color in solution from the Cu²⁺ chelate.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide with the amino-acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. When complexed with copper(II), the resulting GHK-Cu chelate forms a planar coordination structure that is the bioactive form referenced in most of the published research literature.
GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively studied copper-binding peptides in cell-biology research. Pickart and colleagues have demonstrated effects on a wide range of gene-expression endpoints in cultured cells, with particular focus on dermal fibroblast and hair follicle research models.
How does GHK-Cu work?
Modulates gene expression in cultured fibroblasts (downregulation of TGF-β and upregulation of decorin reported in dermal research models). Facilitates copper transport across cell membranes. Has been associated with anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles and fibroblast activation in preclinical work.
Research applications
- Dermal fibroblast research
- Hair follicle biology
- Gene-expression studies
- Wound-healing cell-culture models
- Copper-trafficking pathway investigation
Handling & reconstitution
GHK-Cu ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Highly soluble in bacteriostatic water; presents a distinctive blue color in solution from the Cu²⁺ chelate. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the GHK-Cu reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide with the amino-acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. When complexed with copper(II), the resulting GHK-Cu chelate forms a planar coordination structure that is the bioactive form referenced in most of the published research literature. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does GHK-Cu work?
Modulates gene expression in cultured fibroblasts (downregulation of TGF-β and upregulation of decorin reported in dermal research models). Facilitates copper transport across cell membranes. Has been associated with anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles and fibroblast activation in preclinical work. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of GHK-Cu?
Short serum half-life (minutes) reported in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies. Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is GHK-Cu reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the GHK-Cu reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit GHK-Cu for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Pickart L, Margolina A. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018 · PMID 29986520
- The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Pickart L. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2008 · PMID 18644225
- GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. BioMed Research International, 2015 · PMID 26236730
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.
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