GHK-Cu

Third-Party Tested

Independent lab verified

Batch-Specific CoA

Publicly accessible

YPB.221

Reference number

50mg

Lyophilized vial

Origin

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) was first isolated by Loren Pickart from human plasma albumin in 1973 during experiments at the University of California, San Francisco. Pickart observed that liver tissue from older donors, when exposed to plasma from young donors, exhibited a functional shift — and traced the active factor to this copper-binding tripeptide.

Research Lineage

Pickart's original discovery has been followed by over 60 years of research. Maquart et al. demonstrated its effects on collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Arul et al. and Park et al. have investigated its wound remodeling properties. Gene expression studies by Campbell et al. reported that GHK modulates over 4,000 human genes, with a net shift toward a younger expression profile.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper(II) ions to tissues while modulating gene expression through mechanisms not fully characterized. It has been observed to stimulate collagen I, collagen III, and decorin synthesis while increasing metalloproteinase activity for tissue remodeling. In preclinical models, it has been investigated for its effects on antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD, glutathione) and TGF-beta signaling.

Structural Notes

Tripeptide-copper complex. Sequence: Gly-His-Lys with Cu(II) coordination. Molecular weight: 403.93 Da (with copper). Copper binding occurs through the histidine imidazole nitrogen, glycine amino terminus, and deprotonated amide nitrogen.