GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, studied in biochemical, cellular and tissue-repair research.

What does GHK stand for?

GHK stands for the amino-acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys).

Is GHK the same as GHK-Cu?

No. GHK is the copper-free tripeptide and GHK-Cu is the copper complex. They are distinct chemical species and should not automatically be assigned identical identifiers or research findings.

What areas of research involve GHK-Cu?

Reported research areas include extracellular-matrix signalling, fibroblast-related models, collagen-related biochemistry, wound- and tissue-repair models, gene expression and cellular copper transport.

Is PepDirect GHK-Cu intended for human use?

No. PepDirect supplies GHK-Cu as a laboratory research product only. It is not marketed as a medicine, food supplement, cosmetic or product for human or veterinary use.

↳ Research overview

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper-bound form of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). The peptide can coordinate copper ions through its amino-acid residues, forming a complex that has been studied extensively in biochemical, cellular and tissue-repair research.

This page discusses published research and does not describe an approved human use for PepDirect research material.

For laboratory research use only. PepDirect supplies this material in laboratory formats only.

§ Nomenclature

What Does GHK-Cu Stand For?

GHK = glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, the parent tripeptide sequence.
Cu = copper, the coordinated metal ion.
GHK-Cu = the copper complex of GHK, a distinct chemical species from the copper-free peptide.

§ Identity

GHK vs GHK-Cu

GHK is the parent tripeptide. GHK-Cu refers specifically to the copper complex. These are related but chemically distinct research entities and should not automatically be assigned identical chemical identifiers.

CAS number, molecular formula and molecular weight depend on the actual chemical form. Research findings for GHK alone should not automatically be represented as research for GHK-Cu, and vice versa.

§ Chemistry

Why Does GHK Bind Copper?

GHK coordinates Cu(II) through donor atoms that include the imidazole nitrogen of the histidine side chain, the N-terminal α-amino nitrogen of glycine, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His peptide bond. Structural details can vary with the chemical environment and physical state of the complex.

§ Research areas

What Is GHK-Cu Studied For?

Extracellular-matrix signalling research
Fibroblast-related cellular models
Collagen-related biochemical research
Wound- and tissue-repair models
Gene-expression studies
Cellular copper transport and signalling

Distinguish in vitro, animal/preclinical and human research. Ingredient-level cellular findings should not be presented as demonstrated cosmetic or clinical outcomes.

§ Reference identity

Reference Chemical Identity

Lot-specific identity, purity and handling information for a purchasable product remains governed by the individual product page and its lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. The parent GHK peptide and the copper-bound GHK-Cu complex may carry different identifiers, so users should consult the product page for the exact material they are handling.

§ Blends

GHK-Cu in Research Blends

GHK-Cu is a component of some PepDirect research blends including GLOW and KLOW. Ingredient-level evidence for GHK-Cu should not automatically be interpreted as evidence for those exact blend formulations.

§ Research product

View the GHK-Cu research product

PepDirect supplies GHK-Cu as lyophilised research material with lot-specific documentation.

View GHK-Cu Research Product →

§ References

Selected research references

GHK-Cu / Prezatide Copper · PubChem CID 71587328 (CAS 89030-95-5)PubChem (NCBI)
GHK · PubChem CID 73587 (free tripeptide, copper-free)PubChem (NCBI)
The Human Tripeptide GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Degenerative ConditionsPubMed · Pickart, Vasquez-Soltero, Margolina
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin RegenerationPubMed · Pickart & Margolina

§ FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is GHK-Cu?: GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, studied in biochemical, cellular and tissue-repair research.
What does GHK stand for?: GHK stands for the amino-acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys).
Is GHK the same as GHK-Cu?: No. GHK is the copper-free tripeptide and GHK-Cu is the copper complex. They are distinct chemical species and should not automatically be assigned identical identifiers or research findings.
Why does GHK bind copper?: GHK coordinates Cu(II) through donor atoms including the imidazole nitrogen of the histidine side chain, the N-terminal α-amino nitrogen of glycine, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His peptide bond. Structural details can vary with the chemical environment and physical state of the complex.
What areas of research involve GHK-Cu?: Reported research areas include extracellular-matrix signalling, fibroblast-related models, collagen-related biochemistry, wound- and tissue-repair models, gene expression and cellular copper transport.
Does evidence for GHK-Cu prove the effects of GLOW or KLOW?: No. Evidence for a single ingredient should not automatically be interpreted as evidence for the exact multi-component blend formulation.
Is PepDirect GHK-Cu intended for human use?: No. PepDirect supplies GHK-Cu as a laboratory research product only. It is not marketed as a medicine, food supplement, cosmetic or product for human or veterinary use.

§ Related