For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This is educational reference information, not medical advice.
Research Database / Peptides / GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu · Copper Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysinate (GHK-Cu)

GHK-Cu

Copper Peptides
Overview Research Publications Laboratory FAQ References
Overview
Scientific nameCopper Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysinate (GHK-Cu)
SynonymsCopper tripeptide-1
AbbreviationGHK-Cu
Molecular formulaC14H21CuN6O4
Molecular weight400.9 g/mol (average)
Sequence (one-letter)GHK
Length3 residues
PubChem CID139035031
2D / 3D structure
2D chemical structure of GHK-Cu

Interactive sequence

Select a residue to see its amino acid.
Research Summary

Mechanisms under investigation

The following are areas of ongoing preclinical investigation. They describe hypotheses and observations reported in the literature, not established clinical effects.

Evidence tiers below reflect how much has been studied in each model type. Counts describe research volume — they do not indicate proven efficacy, safety, or clinical consensus.

Evidence base (transparent counts)

Cellular studies 1 publication
Animal studies 3 publications
Human observational reports 0 publications
Controlled human trials 0 publications
Review articles 2 publications
Publication Library

Selected literature

Filter by study model. Each record is classified for the evidence base above.

2023
Preclinical in vivo study examining GHK-Cu(2+) effects on cigarette-smoke-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction and a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway.Animal · PubMed (36905132)
2023
Preclinical study of the GHK-Cu(2+) tripeptide complex in an ovalbumin-induced airway remodeling model with SIRT1 activation measured in airway epithelial cells.Animal · PubMed (37257226)
2022
Preclinical in vivo study reporting effects of GHK-Cu(2+) on cigarette-smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema, inflammation and oxidative stress markers.Animal · PubMed (35936787)
2021
In vitro coordination-chemistry study characterizing ternary Cu(2+) complexes formed by human serum albumin and glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.Cellular · PubMed (34730942)
2018
Review summarizing reported gene-expression and tissue-remodeling actions attributed to the GHK-Cu peptide.Review · PubMed (29986520)
2015
Review of published cellular pathways through which the GHK peptide has been described to act in skin regeneration research.Review · PubMed (26236730)

Each record maps to a structured evidence row with study model, species, and support level.

Laboratory Information

Handling and reference

Molecular weight calculator

Average-mass estimate from a one-letter sequence.

Reconstitution calculator

Laboratory concentration only. Not dosing guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a research compound; the identity and structure data shown here are compiled from public chemical databases (primarily PubChem). For laboratory research use only.
What research models has it been studied in?
The literature indexed here is predominantly cellular (in vitro) and animal studies. See the evidence base and publication library above for the transparent counts by study model.
Is there controlled human clinical trial evidence?
Controlled human clinical trials are counted separately in the evidence base above. Cellular and animal findings do not establish human clinical effects.
How is it stored and handled in a laboratory?
Refer to the laboratory information section above.
Is this intended for human use?
No. All information and materials are for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Documentation

Research material & documentation

This profile is an educational reference. Lot-level laboratory documentation for materials supplied by Peptide Titans is published openly.

GHK-Cu research material →  ·  Lot-specific Certificates of Analysis →  ·  How lots are tested →

References and Citation

Evidence records

  1. Preclinical in vivo study examining GHK-Cu(2+) effects on cigarette-smoke-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction and a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway. (2023) — in vivo — PubMed.
  2. Preclinical study of the GHK-Cu(2+) tripeptide complex in an ovalbumin-induced airway remodeling model with SIRT1 activation measured in airway epithelial cells. (2023) — in vivo — PubMed.
  3. Preclinical in vivo study reporting effects of GHK-Cu(2+) on cigarette-smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema, inflammation and oxidative stress markers. (2022) — in vivo — PubMed.
  4. In vitro coordination-chemistry study characterizing ternary Cu(2+) complexes formed by human serum albumin and glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. (2021) — in vitro — PubMed.
  5. Review summarizing reported gene-expression and tissue-remodeling actions attributed to the GHK-Cu peptide. (2018) — review — PubMed.
  6. Review of published cellular pathways through which the GHK peptide has been described to act in skin regeneration research. (2015) — review — PubMed.

Every record carries a study model, species, support level and review status in the evidence table. Terms used throughout these profiles are defined in the peptide research glossary.

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For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Educational reference information — not medical advice.