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What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex, CAS: 89025-56-3) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart. It is studied in laboratory settings for tissue remodeling, tissue remodeling, and extracellular matrix interactions, with the copper(II) ion essential for the biological activity observed in vitro.
At a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper(II) complex |
| CAS Number | 89025-56-3 |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Molecular Formula | C14H24N6O4Cu |
| Molecular Weight | ~402.9 g/mol |
| Appearance | Blue lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Storage | -20°C, lyophilized, protect from light |
What is the structure of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids—glycine, histidine, and lysine—bound in sequence as Gly-His-Lys. The peptide coordinates a single copper(II) ion through the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the terminal amine of glycine, and additional donor atoms, forming a stable complex. This copper coordination is not incidental; the bound copper(II) ion is essential for the biological activity observed in in vitro studies.
In its free form (GHK without copper), the tripeptide exhibits a markedly reduced range of effects compared to the copper complex. Research has shown that GHK binds copper(II) with high affinity—comparable to that of serum albumin—suggesting a physiological role as a copper transport or delivery peptide in plasma. The blue coloration of the lyophilized reagent is a direct visual indicator of the copper-peptide coordination complex.
How does GHK-Cu interact with cellular pathways in vitro?
Published laboratory research indicates that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of a large number of human genes. A 2017 study using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map found that GHK altered expression patterns of multiple genes, shifting what the authors described as pathological gene expression toward patterns associated with modified tissue state profiles.
In in vitro and animal models, GHK-Cu has been observed to:
Reconstitution
- Allow the sealed vial to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation
- Reconstitute in sterile bacteriostatic water, sterile PBS, or an appropriate buffer to the concentration required for the experimental protocol
- Gently swirl (do not vortex) to dissolve; allow the solution to clarify
- Aliquot reconstituted solution into single-use volumes to avoid repeated freeze-thaw
- Store aliquots at -20°C; use within the timeframe validated for your assay system
Reconstitution Best Practice
The copper complex can be sensitive to extreme pH and oxidizing conditions. Use buffered solutions near physiological pH (7.0–7.4) and avoid strong reducing agents that may displace the coordinated copper(II) ion. Filter-sterilize all solvents before reconstitution.
How is GHK-Cu quality verified?
For research-grade GHK-Cu, quality verification rests on several analytical methods that confirm identity, purity, and composition. Each batch of research material should be accompanied by documentation demonstrating these parameters.
| Test | Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | HPLC | Confirms ≥99% peptide purity; detects impurities and truncated sequences |
| Identity | Mass Spectrometry (MS) | Verifies molecular mass matches expected ~402.9 g/mol |
| Composition | Amino Acid Analysis | Confirms Gly-His-Lys ratio and peptide sequence integrity |
| Endotoxin | LAL Assay | Ensures endotoxin levels are within limits for cell culture work |
| Documentation | Certificate of Analysis | Provides batch-level record of all test results |
Third-party laboratory testing provides an additional layer of verification, confirming that the reported purity and identity are independently validated. For more on these methods, see our articles on HPLC testing, Certificate of Analysis, and third-party testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with the amino acid sequence glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys). It was first isolated from human plasma in 1973 by Loren Pickart and is studied in laboratory settings for tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix interactions, and cellular signaling pathways. The copper(II) ion is essential for the biological activity observed in vitro.
Is the copper ion required for GHK activity in research?
Yes. The copper(II) ion is essential for the biological activity observed in in vitro and laboratory models. GHK binds copper(II) with high affinity, and the resulting GHK-Cu complex modulates gene expression and cellular pathways. Without the copper ion, the tripeptide alone does not reproduce the same range of effects observed in published studies.
How should GHK-Cu reagent be stored and reconstituted for laboratory use?
Lyophilized GHK-Cu should be stored at -20°C and protected from light. For reconstitution, researchers typically dissolve the lyophilized reagent in sterile bacteriostatic water or an appropriate buffer to the desired concentration for in vitro work. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored frozen to preserve peptide integrity.
What purity should GHK-Cu research material meet?
For laboratory research, GHK-Cu should meet a purity of at least 99% as verified by HPLC analysis. Each batch should be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, mass, and identity through methods such as mass spectrometry and HPLC.
GHK-Cu Research Reagent
Lyophilized copper peptide complex in sterile vials — ≥99% purity, HPLC-verified, with COA.