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GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | CAS: 49557-75-7

CAS Number:
49557-75-7
Chemical Classification:
Research peptide

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GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) (CAS 49557-75-7) is a tripeptide–copper complex studied for extracellular-matrix gene regulation and wound-healing signaling in dermatological and regenerative research. Copper coordination state and peptide stability influence assay performance, so formulation and storage conditions become part of experimental design rather than incidental detail. Laboratories run fibroblast collagen-I expression studies, keratinocyte migration scratch assays, and ex vivo human skin explant models with varied copper-to-peptide ratios. Research supply includes COA, LC-MS, HPLC, and NMR verification.

CAS
49557-75-7
Molecular Formula
C14H24CuN6O4
Molecular Weight
403.9 g/mol
Purity
≥98%
Appearance
Blue-green lyophilized powder
Storage
Store at -20°C, protect from light

Analytical Documentation

COA✓ Available
LC-MS✓ Available
HPLC✓ Available
NMR✓ Available

Research Inquiry

Overview

GHK-Cu is a copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a naturally occurring fragment of extracellular matrix-associated proteins with affinity for copper ions. The GHK peptide coordinates copper through histidine imidazole and amide nitrogens, delivering bioavailable copper to cell culture systems studying wound repair signaling, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant superoxide dismutase activity. GHK-Cu appears in dermatological and cosmetic science research examining fibroblast proliferation, gene expression reset profiles, and extracellular matrix remodeling in vitro. The blue-green lyophilized appearance reflects copper chelation state, distinguishing it from uncomplexed GHK peptide in analytical characterization workflows. Supplied at ≥98% purity (C14H24CuN6O4; 403.9 g/mol), this material supports controlled laboratory investigation under research-use-only conditions.

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cultures through TGF-beta pathway modulation and direct effects on collagen gene transcription in research assays. Copper delivery supports lysyl oxidase cross-linking enzyme activity essential for matrix maturation studies. GHK-Cu downregulates inflammation-associated genes and upregulates DNA repair pathways in genome-wide expression profiling of aged fibroblast models. The peptide may activate copper-dependent antioxidant enzymes including SOD1 in cell lysate activity assays. Mechanism integrates metal ion bioavailability with peptide signaling rather than classical GPCR activation.

Receptor Binding & Signaling

GHK-Cu does not bind a single defined GPCR; effects occur through copper-dependent enzyme activation and gene regulatory networks. Integrin-associated signaling may mediate fibroblast adhesion responses in migration assays. Off-target metal binding to other divalent cations is minimized when copper stoichiometry is controlled in research formulations.

Research Applications

Dermal fibroblast matrix synthesis

Human fibroblast monolayers expose cells to GHK-Cu to quantify collagen I and III secretion by ELISA and Sirius red staining in research cultures. TGF-beta inhibitors test pathway contribution. Platforms advance cosmetic matrix biology without human skin treatment claims.

Gene expression reset profiling

RNA-seq of aged versus young fibroblast models treated with GHK-Cu identifies shifts toward youthful expression signatures in exploratory dermatological research. Bioinformatics focuses on ECM, antioxidant, and protease inhibitor gene sets. Research supports cosmetic science hypothesis generation.

Angiogenesis and endothelial co-culture

Fibroblast-endothelial co-cultures use GHK-Cu to measure tube formation and VEGF expression in Matrigel research assays. Copper chelation controls distinguish peptide from metal effects. Vascular biology intersects cosmetic tissue engineering research.

Copper enzyme activity biochemistry

Cell lysates measure SOD and lysyl oxidase activities after GHK-Cu exposure with copper-only controls. Metal stoichiometry titrations define optimal research concentrations. Biochemistry laboratories validate copper delivery mechanism.

Molecular Information

Sequence & Chain Summary

Gly-His-Lys tripeptide coordinated to copper(II) ion.

Modification Type

Copper(II) chelate complex (GHK-Cu).

Structural Notes

GHK-Cu molecular formula C14H24CuN6O4 yields blue-green lyophilized powder with characteristic UV-Vis absorbance from d-d transitions. Copper content assayed by ICP-MS on COA. Uncomplexed GHK appears as impurity in HPLC when copper loading incomplete. Light sensitivity requires amber vial storage in research inventories. Batch-specific molecular characterization—including mass confirmation and purity profiling—is available through COA, LC-MS, HPLC, and NMR documentation supplied with GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide).

Molecular Formula
C14H24CuN6O4
Molecular Weight
403.9 g/mol
Purity Specification
≥98%

Experimental Notes

Stability

Store at −20°C protected from light per product specification. Copper oxidation state shifts with moisture and pH; maintain desiccated conditions. Reconstituted solutions oxidize over days at room temperature; prepare fresh for cell culture experiments. Lyophilized GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) should be protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and prolonged exposure to ambient light where applicable. Analytical integrity is best preserved when material is stored under the conditions specified on the certificate of analysis.

Storage Conditions

Store at -20°C, protect from light. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is supplied as blue-green lyophilized powder. For long-term archival storage in research inventories, maintain sealed containers with desiccant where recommended and document lot numbers for traceability across experimental runs.

Laboratory Handling

Protect from light during bench work. Reconstitute in sterile water or culture media compatible with copper bioavailability. Avoid EDTA-containing buffers that strip copper from peptide. Document copper-peptide stoichiometry when preparing dilutions. Reconstitute only with appropriate research-grade solvents compatible with your assay format. Allow vials to reach equilibrium before opening, work under clean bench conditions, and label all working solutions with concentration, date, and researcher ID per institutional SOPs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Research-focused answers about GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide). For laboratory use only — not medical advice.

What is GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) used for in research?
GHK-Cu is for dermatological and cosmetic science research on fibroblast matrix biology and copper peptide biochemistry in vitro. Not for human skincare product formulation without regulatory compliance or clinical skin treatment claims.
How does GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) work biologically?
GHK-Cu delivers copper to cells and modulates collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gene expression profiles in fibroblast research models through metal-peptide coordinated signaling.
What receptors does GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) interact with?
No primary GPCR target; mechanism involves copper-dependent enzymes and ECM gene regulation. Integrin-mediated adhesion may contribute to migration phenotypes in culture.
Is GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) stable at room temperature?
Store at −20°C protected from light per product specification. Copper oxidation state shifts with moisture and pH; maintain desiccated conditions. Reconstituted solutions oxidize over days at room temperature; prepare fresh for cell culture experiments. For short-term laboratory workflows, minimize time at room temperature and return unused material to recommended storage promptly. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is not formulated for ambient long-term storage.
What is the recommended storage condition for GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)?
Store at -20°C, protect from light. Store lyophilized material in a dedicated −20°C freezer, protect from moisture ingress, and avoid repeated temperature cycling. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and frozen if not used within the validated window of your internal stability study.