P Palthera
Signalling Peptides

GHK-Cu

Copper tripeptide GHK / Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding complex studied across , rodent, and topical-cosmetic models, primarily in the context of and skin biology research.

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Signalling Peptides
Classification
Copper-binding tripeptide complex
Research stage
In vitro, animal, and topical-cosmetic literature
Sequence
Gly-His-Lys complexed with Cu(II)
Molecular weight
Approx. 403.9 Da (complex)

Snapshot

Key takeaways

A three-bullet snapshot before reading the full dossier.

  1. 01

    GHK complexed with Cu(II) for matrix-related research.

  2. 02

    Studied across , rodent injury models, and topical formulation work.

  3. 03

    Sensitive to light and moisture during laboratory storage.

Dossier overview

4

research areas

3

references

3

handling notes

01

Mechanism of action

Research literature associates GHK-Cu with copper transport, gene-expression shifts relevant to wound repair, and modulation of collagen and elastin-related markers in cell and tissue models.

02

Research applications

  • signalling and gene-expression studies
  • and collagen research
  • Topical formulation and delivery research
  • Animal-model wound and tissue research

03

Study references

Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.

Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu(II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction

2015

Fu SC et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Model
In vivo — Wistar rats (ACL reconstruction model)
Sample
n=72 rats

Intra-articular GHK-Cu was associated with improved knee laxity and graft stiffness at 6 weeks post-reconstruction; benefits diminished by 12 weeks after treatment ended.

PMID 25731775 DOI 10.1002/jor.22828

Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data

2018

Pickart L et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Model
Narrative review
Sample
N/A (review)

Reviewed gene-expression and tissue-model literature describing GHK effects on collagen synthesis, repair markers, and cellular protection across skin, lung, bone, and liver tissues.

PMID 29986520 DOI 10.3390/ijms19071987

Liposomes as Carriers of GHK-Cu Tripeptide for Cosmetic Application

2023

Dymek M et al. · Pharmaceutics

Model
In vitro — liposomal formulation with enzymatic assays
Sample
Not reported in abstract

GHK-Cu-loaded liposomes formed stable nanoparticle systems with measurable elastase-inhibition activity .

PMID 37896245 DOI 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102485

Evidence caveats

  • Most primary data come from in vitro assays and topical formulation studies; in vivo animal data and human-skin investigations exist but vary widely in design.
  • Findings are model-specific and should not be extrapolated to clinical outcomes.

04

Storage and handling

Store per supplier guidance, protected from excess heat, light, and moisture.

  • Protect from excess light and moisture during laboratory storage.
  • Use controlled labelling for copper-complexed samples.
  • Record supplier-specific and lot information.

05

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