GHK-Cu: Copper-Tripeptide Mechanism in Dermal Research
EXOMA Scientific Team · Publicado el · Actualizado el
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper) is a natural tripeptide widely investigated for its role in tissue signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling and gene modulation.
Structure and origin
GHK-Cu es el complejo formado por el tripéptido Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine (GHK) bound to a copper(II) ion. It was discovered in human plasma by Pickart and Thaler in 1973, where its concentration decreases markedly with age (approximately 200 ng/mL at 20 years vs. 80 ng/mL at 60).
Molecular mechanism
The literature describes modulation of >4,000 genes in transcriptomic studies (Pickart et al., 2017), including:
- Activation of DNA repair genes (downregulación de genes de envejecimiento)
- Stimulation of type I and III collagen synthesis vía TGF-β
- Modulation of metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) en remodelación tisular
- Activation of the Nrf2 pathway (defensa antioxidante)
- Angiogenesis via VEGF
Applications in research
| Modelo | Endpoint estudiado |
|---|---|
| Cultivo de fibroblastos | Síntesis de colágeno y elastina |
| Folículo piloso ex vivo | Prolonged anagen phase |
| Modelo cicatrización (rata) | Tasa de epitelización |
| Modelo isquemia (rata) | Angiogénesis y reperfusión |
Reconstitution
Lyophilized vial of 100 mg reconstituted with 5 mL of bacteriostatic water:
- Concentration: 20 mg/mL = 2 mg per 0.1 mL
For topical dermal research protocols, the literature describes formulations of 0.05-0.2% in hydrophilic vehicles.
Stability
GHK-Cu is notably stable as a lyophilizate (>36 months at -20°C). Once reconstituted, refrigerated storage and use within 30 days are recommended.
Characteristic coloration
The reconstituted solution presents a blue-turquoise coloration characteristic of the copper-peptide complex. This coloration is normal and desirable — its absence or change to greenish-brown indicates degradation.
Required purity
- HPLC ≥99%
- Copper quantification by atomic absorption spectrometry
- Verification of the 1:1 stoichiometric ratio GHK:Cu²⁺
References
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. doi:10.3390/ijms19071987. PMID 29986520. (review)
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. doi:10.1155/2015/648108. PMID 26236730. (review)
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988. doi:10.1163/156856208784909435. PMID 18644225. (review)
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See also
Literature on the compounds cited
- About GHK-Cu: Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+) rescues cigarette smoking-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction via a sirtuin 1-dependent pathway (Deng, et al. · Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2023) PMID 36905132.
- About GHK-Cu: Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin. (Miller TR, et al. · Arch Facial Plast Surg · 2006) PMID 16847171.
- About GHK-Cu: Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper. (Mulder GD, et al. · Wound Repair Regen · 1994) PMID 17147644.