Activates LOX (lysyl oxidase, copper-dependent) β collagen and elastin crosslinking. Upregulates collagen I, III, IV gene expression β ECM synthesis and quality
Research Questions Answered
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-CuΒ²βΊ) is a naturally occurring human copper peptide tripeptide first isolated from human plasma by Pickart (1973). It is the copper-bound form of GHK β a tripeptide that chelates copper(II) with extremely high affinity (association constant ~10ΒΉβ·). GHK-Cu is present in plasma, saliva, and urine and declines significantly with age (20s: ~200 ng/mL plasma; 60s: ~80 ng/mL). Research shows it modulates ECM remodelling, promotes wound healing, stimulates collagen synthesis, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How does GHK-Cu work?
GHK-Cu works through copper-dependent mechanisms: (1) Copper delivery β the GHK tripeptide acts as a copper chaperone, delivering bioavailable CuΒ²βΊ to cells and activating copper-dependent enzymes; (2) MMP modulation β upregulates ECM-remodelling MMPs (MMP-1, -2) while downregulating excessive degradation; (3) LOX activation β lysyl oxidase (copper-dependent) crosslinks collagen and elastin β improved ECM quality; (4) Direct gene modulation β activates wound healing gene pathways (over 4,000 genes modulated according to Pickart’s genomic work).
What is GHK-Cu used for in research?
GHK-Cu research applications: skin biology (collagen synthesis, elastin, ECM quality), wound healing models (acute and chronic wounds), anti-aging skin research (GHK-Cu decline with age), angiogenesis (VEGF upregulation), anti-inflammatory research, hair follicle biology (stimulates follicle growth in models), and comparative copper peptide research. GHK-Cu is notable for genomic breadth β research shows modulation of >4,000 genes across multiple pathways.
What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK is the free tripeptide (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). GHK-Cu is the copper-chelated form. The copper is required for most of GHK’s biological activity: LOX activation, copper enzyme activity, and tissue penetration are all dependent on the CuΒ²βΊ chelate. GHK alone has some activity (copper-independent gene modulation) but most research uses GHK-Cu as the active form.
Where can I buy GHK-Cu for research?
Research-grade GHK-Cu is available from QSC (qscpeptide.com) at β₯99% HPLC purity with Janoshik COA. US Domestic Warehouse: 2β4 business day delivery. All products sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research only.
Is GHK-Cu the same as copper peptide serums?
No β cosmetic copper peptide serums are consumer skincare products with low concentrations of GHK-Cu for topical use. Research-grade GHK-Cu from QSC is a verified β₯99% HPLC purity compound for in vitro laboratory research protocols β not a cosmetic product. The concentrations, purity standards, and verification requirements are entirely different between cosmetic and research-grade GHK-Cu.
What is GHK-Cu’s effect on collagen?
GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis through multiple pathways: activates TGF-Ξ² and growth factor signalling β collagen I, III, IV gene upregulation; activates LOX (lysyl oxidase, Cu-dependent) β collagen and elastin crosslinking and maturation; modulates MMP-TIMP balance β prevents excessive collagen degradation. Research shows increased collagen density and improved collagen quality in wound healing and skin models.
How does GHK-Cu compare to BPC-157 for wound healing?
Both are wound healing research peptides but with different mechanisms: GHK-Cu: copper-dependent ECM remodelling β collagen synthesis, LOX activation, MMP modulation. Particularly relevant for skin/surface wound models. BPC-157: NOS/VEGF/EGF β particularly relevant for deeper tissue (tendon, muscle, GI) repair. For comprehensive wound research, they are complementary β GHK-Cu for ECM quality, BPC-157 for vascularisation and deeper tissue repair.
What purity should research-grade GHK-Cu be?
Research-grade GHK-Cu should be β₯99% HPLC purity with MS confirmation of both the peptide sequence and copper incorporation. The copper:peptide ratio (1:1 for GHK-Cu) should be confirmed. QSC provides Janoshik-verified COAs for all GHK-Cu batches.
How is GHK-Cu stored?
Lyophilised GHK-Cu: store at β20Β°C. Reconstituted: store at 4Β°C, use within 28 days. Protect from light (copper complexes can be photosensitive). As a tripeptide-copper complex, GHK-Cu is relatively stable in lyophilised form. Reconstitute with sterile/bacteriostatic water. The blue colour of reconstituted GHK-Cu solution is normal β it reflects the CuΒ²βΊ chelation.
Where to Buy Research-Grade GHK-Cu
β₯99% HPLC Β· Janoshik COA Β· US Domestic 2β4 Days Β· Research Use Only
