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Copper(II)-Binding Tripeptide Complex
GHK-Cu
100MG per vial
GHK-Cu is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed one-to-one with copper(II), identified in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who isolated it as an activity associated with human plasma albumin. The metal is chelated through three nitrogens — the terminal α-amino group of glycine, the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His bond and an imidazole nitrogen of histidine — with one labile coordination site remaining, and binding is strong enough (log K of roughly 16.4, marginally above that of albumin itself) that the copper is effectively redox-silenced, which distinguishes the complex from free copper salts. The Gly-His-Lys motif occurs within the α2(I) chain of type I collagen and within SPARC, and proteolytic release from those proteins during tissue remodelling is the accepted account of where endogenous GHK comes from.
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Research use only. Supplied for in vitro laboratory research. Not a drug, supplement, cosmetic or medical device, not approved by the TGA, and not for administration to humans or animals. See our research use conditions.
Compound signature
From confirmed structure
401.9g/mol
Molar mass
25atoms
Heavy atoms
Atomic composition
C14H22CuN6O4
- C14
- H22
- N6
- O4
- Cu1
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys (GHK)
Research applications
Genome-wide expression profiling by Pickart's group reported GHK modulating transcription of at least four thousand human genes; subsequent narrower analyses have addressed DNA-repair gene sets, TGF-β signalling in lung fibroblasts derived from donors with COPD, and a set of 54 genes associated with metastatic colon cancer at approximately 1 μM exposure. Fibroblast culture studies at nanomolar concentrations have characterised collagen synthesis, production of glycosaminoglycans including dermatan and chondroitin sulfate, output of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin, and the relationship between matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. In three-dimensional skin equivalents researchers have measured basal keratinocyte expression of integrins and p63 over a 0.1–10 μM range; in a separate hydrogel design, GHK was covalently coupled to alginate and mesenchymal stem cells entrapped within it, allowing VEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor secretion to be measured against unmodified gel — pre-treating the cells with antibodies against integrins α6 and β1 abolished the response. Animal wound models across rabbits, rats, mice, pigs and dogs have been used to examine granulation tissue, vascularisation, collagen deposition and tissue antioxidant enzyme levels.
Formulation and handling
The compound ships as a blue to blue-violet lyophilised powder and yields a strongly blue solution on reconstitution; that colour arises from d-d transitions of the bound Cu(II) and serves as an immediate integrity check, since a pale, green or colourless solution means copper has come off the peptide. Use a near-neutral diluent rather than acidified water, because protonation of the coordinating amide and imidazole nitrogens dissociates the complex, and protect working solutions from light, the copper centre being more photochemically active than the free tripeptide.
Intended use
GHK-Cu is supplied exclusively for in vitro and non-clinical scientific research. It is not approved for human or animal therapeutic, diagnostic or medicinal use. All handling and experimentation must be carried out by trained personnel in an appropriately controlled laboratory.
Specification
- Presentation
- Vial
- Labelled strength
- 100MG
- Molecular formula
- C14H22CuN6O4
- Molar mass
- 401.9 g/mol
- CAS number
- 89030-95-5
- Appearance
- Lyophilised powder
- Storage
- 2–8 °C sealed, −20 °C long term
Values describe the compound as supplied. Analytical figures for the material in your vial are on that lot’s certificate, not here.
Certificates of analysis
None published yetEvery lot is tested by an independent laboratory and carries its own certificate. Match the lot number printed on your vial to the certificate — a certificate for a different lot tells you nothing about yours.
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