Visao Geral GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) e um(a) que ocorre naturalmente tripeptide complex consistindo de the aminoacidos Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine chelated to a copper(II) ion. First isolado(a) from human plasma albumin in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart at UCSF.[1] Origin: GHK e um(a) endogeno(a) peptide encontrado(a) em human plasma, saliva, and urine. It is liberado(a) de the matriz extracelular during tissue injury — specifically cleaved from SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine)

How does GHK-Cu work? What is its mechanism of action?

Mecanismo de Acao Copper Transport & "Redox Silencing" GHK-Cu acts como um(a) carrier peptide with alto(a) affinity for copper(II) ions (pKa = 16.44). The complex "silences" copper's redox activity, preventing Fenton reaction damage enquanto delivering copper safely into cells — essencial para enzymes like lysyl oxidase (collagen crosslinking) and superoxide dismutase (antioxidante defense).[3] Key Signaling Pathways PathwayMecanismoEffect NF-κB/p38 MAPKInhibits fosforilacao of NF-κB p65 and p38

What are the research applications of GHK-Cu?

Aplicacoes de Pesquisa GHK-Cu research spans dermatology, cicatrizacao de feridas, pulmonology, oncology, and neuroscience across 10+ indication categories: Wound Healing & Tissue Regeneration — Accelerates contraction, re-epitelialization, collagen accumulation; reduz TNF-α and MMPs. 64.5% wound size reduction vs 28.2% control (Canapp et al., 2003).[11] Dermatology & Anti-Aging — Tightens skin, melhora elasticity/density/thickness; reduz wrinkles 55%; outperforms Vitamin C and retinoic acid for

What does the research summary say about GHK-Cu?

Resumo da Pesquisa Pre-clinica Key Preclinical Studies EstudoModeloPrincipais AchadosRef Canapp et al. (2003)Rats — ischemic open wounds, topico(a) daily × 13dWound size ↓ 64.5% vs 28.2% control; ↓ TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9[11] Maquart et al. (1993)Sprague-Dawley rats — wound chambersDose-dependent ↑ Collagen I/III, GAGs, DNA content (days 3–14)[10] Zhang et al. (2022)C57BL/6J mice — CS-induziu emphysema, 0.2–20 µg/g/day IP × 12 wkSignificantly ↓ airspace enlargement; reversed MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance;

How should GHK-Cu be stored?

Lyophilized pó a -20°C (até 3 anos). Reconstituído a -80°C (1 ano) ou 4°C (curto prazo). Estável pH 5.0–7.0; dissocia abaixo de pH 4 ou acima de pH 9. Mantenha longe de umidade sob gás inerte.

GHK-Cu: Chemical Properties

24 Citacoes PubMedRevisado por EspecialistasCertificado GMPUltima Revisao: fevereiro de 2026

Propriedades Quimicas

Molecular Formula	C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight	~401.9 Da
CAS Number	89030-95-5
PubChem CID	378611
Sequence (1-Letter)	GHK
Sequence (3-Letter)	Gly-His-Lys
Structure	Linear tripeptide chelated to Cu(II) in distorted square-planar pyramid; blue-purple crystal powder
InChI Key	DIWZQABMLHSNJR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES	C1=C(NC=N1)CC(C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)O)NC(=O)CN.[Cu]
Origin	Endogenous — human plasma, cleaved from SPARC and type I collagen α2 chain
Classification	Copper Peptide Complex / Cosmeceutical / Research Peptide
Appearance	Blue-purple crystal powder (GHK sem copper is white)

Identificadores

Purity Standard	≥98–99% by HPLC
Identity Confirmation	MS molecular mass ~401.9 Da
Counter-Ion	TFA-free for biological applications
Detection Methods	RP-HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, Atomic Absorption, ICP-MS for copper

Editorial Research Note

“Resumo da Pesquisa Pre-clinica Key Preclinical Studies EstudoModeloPrincipais AchadosRef Canapp et al.”

Pure U.S. Peptides Research Standards TeamInternal editorial group summarising published peptide research for an audience of qualified independent investigators.

Referencias

Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin by Regulating Copper and Modifying Expression of Numerous Antioxidant Genes. Cosmetics. 2015;2(3):236-247.
Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 2008;19(8):969-988.
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions do(a) GHK-Cu Peptide no(a) Light do(a) New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.
Park JR, Lee H, Kim SI, Yang SR. The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex melhora lipopolysaccharide-induziu agudo(a) lung injury in mice. Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405-58417.
Zhang Q, Yan L, Lu J, Zhou X. Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ atenua cigarette smoke-induziu pulmonar emphysema and inflamacao by reducing estresse oxidativo pathway. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences. 2022;9:925700.
Mao S, Huang J, Li J, et al. Exploring the beneficial effects of GHK-Cu on an experimental model of colitis e o(a) underlying mechanisms. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2025;16:1551843.
Campbell JD, McDonough JE, Zeskind JE, et al. A expressao genica signature of emphysema-related lung destruction e seu(sua) reversal pelo(a) tripeptide GHK. Genome Medicine. 2012;4(8):67.
Miller DM, DeSilva D, Pickart L, Aust SD. Effects of glycyl-histidyl-lysyl chelated Cu(II) on ferritin dependent lipid peroxidation. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 1990;264:79-84.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK and DNA: Resetting the human genome to health. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:151479.
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. Stimulation of sintese de colageno in fibroblasto cultures pelo(a) tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Letters. 1988;238(2):343-346.
Canapp SO Jr, Farese JP, Schultz GS, et al. The effect of topico(a) tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds. Veterinary Surgery. 2003;32(6):515-523.
Abdulghani AA, Sherr A, Shirin S, et al. Effects of topico(a) creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream and melatonin comparado(a) com tretinoin no(a) ultrastructure of normal skin. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes. 1998;1(4):136-141.
Kuceki G, Coppinger AJ, Ragi SD, et al. Enhanced hair regrowth with five monthly sessions of minoxidil-dutasteride-copper peptides tattooing for androgenetic alopecia. JAAD International. 2025;20:38-40.
Pollard JD, Quan S, Kang T, Koch RJ. Effects of copper tripeptide no(a) growth and expression of fator de crescimentos by normal and irradiated fibroblastos. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2005;7(1):27-31.
Dou Y, Lee A, Zhu L, et al. The potential of GHK como um(a) anti-envelhecimento peptide. Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics. 2020;2(1):58-61.
Cherdakov VYu, et al. Peptide combination (GHK, Dalargin, Thymogen) promove reparative osteogenesis in rats with bone fractures. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2010.
Gul NY, Topal A, Cangul IT, Yanik K. The effects of topico(a) tripeptide copper complex and helium-neon laser on cicatrizacao de feridas in rabbits. Veterinary Dermatology. 2008;19(1):7-14.
Badenhorst T, Svirskis D, Merrilees M, et al. Effects of GHK-Cu on MMP and TIMP Expression, Collagen and Elastin Production, and Facial Wrinkle Parameters. Journal of Aging Science. 2016;4(3):166.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide como um(a) Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108.
Hong Y, Downey T, Eu KW, et al. A 'metastasis-prone' signature for early-stage mismatch-repair proficient sporadic colorectal cancer patients e seu(sua) implications for possible therapeutics. Clinical & Experimental Metastasis. 2010;27(2):83-90.
Pickart L, Freedman JH, Loker WJ, et al. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells. Nature. 1980;288(5792):715-717.
Simeon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ estimula matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblasto cultures. Life Sciences. 2000;67(18):2257-2265.
Kang YA, Choi HR, Na JI, et al. Copper-GHK aumenta integrin expression and p63 positivity by queratinocitos. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2009;301(4):301-306.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, et al. The Effect do(a) Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. Brain Sciences. 2017;7(2):20.

Perguntas de Pesquisa Relacionadas

→ What Is GHK-Cu?→ GHK-Cu: Mechanism of Action → GHK-Cu: Research Applications → GHK-Cu: Safety Profile & Research Summary → Storing GHK-Cu: Best Practices

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