GHK-Cu (CAS 49557-75-7), also known as Copper Tripeptide-1, is a naturally occurring copper-chelating tripeptide complex with the molecular formula C14H24CuN6O4 and a molecular weight of 403.91 g/mol. Defined by the amino acid sequence Gly-His-Lys, GHK-Cu coordinates a single copper(II) ion through the nitrogen atoms of the glycine amino terminus, the histidine imidazole ring, and the deprotonated amide nitrogen between residues 1 and 2. This copper-peptide complex was first isolated from human plasma and represents one of the most extensively studied metallopeptides in preclinical wound biology and extracellular matrix remodelling research. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis with subsequent copper complexation, GHK-Cu is associated with matrix metalloproteinase regulation and growth factor signalling pathways.

GHK-Cu is one of the most widely referenced copper peptide complexes in preclinical dermatological and extracellular matrix research. In vitro studies have examined its interaction with fibroblast and keratinocyte cell preparations, documenting that the GHK-Cu complex stimulates collagen synthesis in cultured fibroblasts independently of changes in cell number [1], and that GHK-Cu increases matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein and mRNA levels in fibroblast cultures; an effect reproduced by copper ions but not by the GHK peptide alone [2]. Gene expression profiling studies have reported that GHK-Cu exposure modulates several genes in human cell preparations, with published analysis of the Broad Institute Connectivity Map gene-expression datasets characterising GHK as modulating the expression of many genes and presenting these transcriptome-wide changes as a basis for the compound’s range of documented cellular activities [3], making Copper Tripeptide-1 a compound of interest beyond conventional wound biology research.

GHK-Cu is manufactured in a cGMP compliant, ISO9001 certified laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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