Overview:
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide complex composed of the amino acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine coordinated with copper. GHK is a naturally occurring peptide sequence found in human plasma and other biological fluids, while GHK-Cu refers to the copper-complexed form that has been studied in laboratory, cosmetic, dermatologic, and preclinical research settings.
Much of the scientific interest around GHK-Cu comes from its interaction with biological processes involving copper transport, extracellular matrix regulation, collagen-related pathways, antioxidant response, and tissue-remodeling signaling. Because copper is involved in several enzymatic and cellular processes, GHK-Cu has been evaluated for its potential role in cellular regulation and structural remodeling models.
GHK-Cu has been studied in experimental models involving skin biology, wound-response pathways, fibroblast activity, collagen and glycosaminoglycan production, inflammatory signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Mechanism Overview:
GHK-Cu has been investigated for potential interactions with several biological pathways, including copper-binding and copper-delivery mechanisms, fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis pathways, matrix metalloproteinase regulation, antioxidant signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These mechanisms are primarily based on laboratory, cosmetic, and preclinical research, and are not equivalent to established clinical outcomes.
Structure:
Sequence: Gly-His-Lys
CAS: 89030-95-5
Molecular Weight: ~401.9 g/mol for GHK-Cu
