GHK-Cu: What the Research Says About This Copper Peptide

GHK-Cu — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine bound to a copper ion — is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s. Unlike the melanocortin peptides in our range, it isn't derived from α-MSH; its research interest instead centres on copper-binding biology and its role in tissue remodelling pathways.

Why Copper Binding Matters

GHK has a strong, specific affinity for Cu²⁺ ions. This copper-peptide complex is the form most commonly used in laboratory research, since it more closely resembles how the peptide behaves in biological systems where free copper is tightly regulated. Much of the published research on GHK-Cu focuses on its interactions with copper-dependent enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodelling.

Research Applications

In vitro studies have used GHK-Cu to examine cell signalling pathways associated with collagen and elastin production, antioxidant enzyme activity, and wound-healing models in cultured skin cells. It's one of the more extensively published tripeptides in dermal research literature, which is part of why it continues to attract laboratory interest.

Supply and Storage

MelanoMax's GHK-Cu is supplied as a sterile, lyophilised 50mg vial, independently HPLC/MS tested. As with our other peptides, store at -20°C prior to reconstitution and protect from light.