1. What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays a crucial role in wound healing, tissue remodeling, and skin regeneration. By delivering bioavailable copper to cells, GHK-Cu supports collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory responses, and antioxidant protection. It is widely used in regenerative medicine and cosmetic formulations.
2. GHK-Cu Structure
【pictures linking，https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508379/figure/fig1/】
【pictures linking，https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/73587】
Sequence: Gly-His-Lys.Cu.xHAc
Molecular Formula:C14H22CuN6O4
Molecular Weight:401.91 g/mol
PubChem CID: 73587
CAS Number: 89030-95-5
3. GHK-Cu Research
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma. It plays a significant role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, anti-inflammation, and skin regeneration. The copper ion bound to GHK is critical for many enzymatic processes related to cellular renewal and extracellular matrix synthesis.
【1】Mechanism of Action
Copper Transport & Activation: GHK binds copper (Cu²⁺) with high affinity, delivering it safely to enzymes like lysyl oxidase (for collagen crosslinking), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and cytochrome c oxidase for oxidative phosphorylation.
Gene Expression Modulation: In vitro studies show GHK-Cu can upregulate over 4,000 human genes related to tissue regeneration and downregulate genes involved in inflammation, cancer progression, and fibrosis【https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11350662/】.
ECM Remodeling: It stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and decorin, contributing to visible skin tightening and healing.
【2】Clinical & Biological Effects
Wound Healing: Accelerates healing in both acute and chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers and surgical incisions 【https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21615270/】
Hair Growth Stimulation: Shown to stimulate dermal papilla cells, promote angiogenesis, and elongate anagen phase in hair cycles.
Skin Firmness & Anti-Aging: Reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and photodamage through increased fibroblast activity and MMP inhibition (J Drugs Dermatol).
【3】Expert Insight
Dr. Loren Pickart (GHK discoverer): “GHK-Cu can reset gene expression of aging tissues to a more youthful state. It’s not merely cosmetic—it’s molecular rejuvenation.”
Journal of Aging Research review (2012): “GHK-Cu is a potent epigenetic signaling molecule with multi-system regenerative capacity.”
✅ Why Consider GHK-Cu?
🧬 Delivers essential copper ions to critical enzymes for tissue health
✨ Improves skin tone, firmness, and reduces signs of aging
🔬 Stimulates collagen, elastin, and GAG synthesis
🧠 Supports neurological, immune, and antioxidant systems
💈 Promotes hair follicle growth and improves scalp vascularization
🩹 Accelerates wound healing, tissue repair, and reduces scarring
🧪 Highly tolerable, with broad cosmetic and therapeutic applications
4. Future GHK-Cu Research
A. Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Applications
Topical nanocarriers (liposomes, microneedles) are being tested to enhance dermal penetration, especially in anti-aging and post-laser recovery.
Investigating GHK analogs and peptide cocktails for targeted wrinkle reduction, pigmentation control, and improved skin biomechanics.
B. Regenerative Medicine & Orthopedic Healing
Animal models demonstrate enhanced tendon and cartilage regeneration via local GHK-Cu injection or scaffold integration.
Combining GHK-Cu with hydrogels and collagen-based bio-inks for bioprinting of connective tissues.
C. Neuroprotection & Cognitive Aging
GHK-Cu crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and has been shown to protect neuronal DNA, reduce oxidative stress, and improve memory in rodent Alzheimer’s models (Aging Clin Exp Res).
Future clinical trials aim to test GHK-based neurotherapies for mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, and neuroinflammation.
D. Oncology Supportive Care
Its anti-inflammatory and angiogenic modulation could assist in mucositis, radiation-induced dermatitis, and cancer cachexia recovery.
E. Epigenetic & Genomic Repair Research
Recent transcriptomics show GHK-Cu reverses senescence-associated gene expression, suggesting it may delay aging at the cellular programming level.
Studies in human fibroblasts report over 30% reversal in senescence markers, promoting interest in cellular reprogramming and bioinformatics-guided peptide design.
5. Application Area
🧖 Cosmeceuticals & Skin Repair
Used in high-end skincare serums and microneedle patches for:
Wrinkle reduction
Photodamage recovery
Post-laser healing
🧬 Wound & Scar Management【https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11350662/】
Acute and chronic wounds
Surgical recovery
Keloid and hypertrophic scar modulation
🧠 Neurocognitive Support【https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30443869/】
BBB-penetrant
Antioxidant in neural tissues
Early promise in age-related memory loss
💇♂️ Hair Follicle Regeneration
Stimulates dermal papilla fibroblasts
Promotes angiogenesis in scalp capillary beds
🧪 Regenerative Materials & Implants
Incorporated in bone grafts, tendon patches, 3D-bioprinted scaffolds
✅ Summary
GHK-Cu is a multi-target copper peptide with broad therapeutic and cosmetic value:
✔️ Stimulates tissue regeneration and collagen formation
✔️ Modulates gene expression related to healing and anti-aging
✔️ Shows promise in skin, hair, neuroprotection, wound care, and bioengineering
✔️ Safe, non-immunogenic, and backed by decades of biomedical research
ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies(Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition, ailment or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
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