GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a peptide first identified in human plasma.

Identity

Sequence

H-GHK-OH

Residues

3

Bridges and complexes

Cu(II)

Molecular formula

C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄⁺

Average molecular weight

402.92 g/mol

Monoisotopic mass (calculated)

402.1071 Da

CAS number

89030-95-5

PubChem CID

71587328

Strengths

50–100 mg

Other names

Prezatide copper · Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) · Copper tripeptide-1

Formula, weight and CAS number are those of the PubChem record for prezatide copper, the 1:1 copper(II) complex of GHK. The free tripeptide GHK has its own PubChem record (CID 73587, CAS 49557-75-7).

Identity data from: PubChem CID 71587328 · PubChem CID 73587

Research overview

GHK-Cu is a complex of copper(II) with the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). The tripeptide was first described as a component of human plasma, and reviews also report it in saliva and urine [1]. GHK binds copper(II) with high affinity, so the free peptide and its copper complex are closely related, and much of the literature discusses the two forms side by side [1][2].

Laboratory research on GHK-Cu has concentrated on connective-tissue biology. Cell-culture studies summarised in the reviews describe changes in collagen and glycosaminoglycan production by fibroblasts, and rodent studies have examined the complex in skin wound models [2]. Analyses of public gene-expression datasets, including the Connectivity Map, have been used to propose that GHK is associated with shifts in the expression of many genes, a hypothesis the authors relate to tissue-remodelling pathways [1].

More recent work has examined GHK-Cu outside the skin. In a mouse model of silica-induced lung injury, together with accompanying cell experiments, the complex was reported to lower markers of inflammation and fibrosis, and peroxiredoxin 6 was identified as a binding target [3]. Each of these observations belongs to the model in which it was made.

Laboratory storage and handling

Keep the sealed vial cold, dry and protected from light, following the storage conditions on the documentation supplied with the lot. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening so that moisture does not condense on the solid. Because the copper ion can be removed by strong chelating agents, keep the material away from them unless an experiment calls for it. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of laboratory stocks, record the lot number with each experiment and wear standard laboratory protective equipment.

Questions about GHK-Cu

References

1. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci 2018. PMID 29986520
2. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int 2015. PMID 26236730
3. The glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Cu(2+) tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis by targeting peroxiredoxin 6. Redox Biol 2024. PMID 38879894

Identity data checked on 2026-09-24. Literature summaries describe published research models and are not specifications of any product lot.