GHK-Cu: A Research Overview
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). The tripeptide occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva and urine and binds copper(II) strongly. The complex is also used as a cosmetic ingredient and is studied in cell-culture and gene-expression research.
Chemical identity
| Compound | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Copper tripeptide-1, Prezatide copper, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) |
| Class | Copper(II) complex of a tripeptide |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys, as the copper(II) complex |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 401.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 (copper complex) |
| Free peptide (GHK) | C14H24N6O4 · 340.4 g/mol · CAS 49557-75-7 |
Background
GHK is a three-amino-acid peptide (Gly-His-Lys) that was isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in the 1970s. It has a strong affinity for copper(II), and the resulting copper complex is GHK-Cu.
The complex is also used as a cosmetic ingredient, where it is listed as copper tripeptide-1 or prezatide copper. Research publications include cell-culture studies of extracellular-matrix proteins and analyses of gene-expression databases.
GHK-Cu has not been evaluated by the FDA for any use.
What the published literature reports
- Review of in vitro data and gene-expression database analyses
Reviews the biology of GHK and GHK-Cu, including increased collagen and elastin production by cultured human dermal fibroblasts at nanomolar concentrations, and analyses of the Broad Institute’s Connectivity Map showing changes in the expression of many human genes.
Pickart L, Margolina A, Int J Mol Sci, 2018 PubMed - Review
Review of the literature on GHK and its reported effects on cellular pathways in skin cells.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A, BioMed Res Int, 2015 PubMed - Review
Review article on the human tripeptide GHK and tissue remodeling.
Pickart L, J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2008;19:969–988 PubMed
How to read this literature
The work cited above spans review of in vitro data and gene-expression database analyses, review. Findings from cell culture or animal models, and review articles that summarise them, do not establish how a compound behaves in other systems. Each citation links to the original record so you can read it directly.
Summaries describe what each cited paper reports in its own model system. They are not claims about the effects of this product.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. See our Research Use Only page.