What primary receptor cascades and in vitro signaling axes are modulated by GHK-Cu?

Pre-clinical studies indicate GHK-Cu engages primary pathways: Chelates Cu2+ ions in square-planar coordinate geometry, facilitating delivery to dermal cuproenzymes including lysyl oxidase. Stimulates gene expression of collagen alpha-1 type I and III in cultured dermal fibroblasts. Additional investigations explore cellular migration, receptor binding affinities, and kinase activation in vitro.

What is the recommended reconstitution diluent and sterile handling protocol for GHK-Cu?

Lyophilized GHK-Cu cakes must be reconstituted using Sterile Bacteriostatic Water USP or Sterile Saline Reagent. Introduce the diluent gently along the internal glass wall under a laminar flow hood, allowing passive dissolution without mechanical vortex shear or high-velocity liquid agitation.

Is GHK-Cu lawful to purchase and possess for laboratory research in the United Kingdom?

Yes. Non-scheduled synthetic research peptides like GHK-Cu are entirely legal to acquire, import, and hold for bona fide laboratory experimentation in the UK. However, under Regulation 46 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1916), supply or marketing for human clinical administration without MHRA authorization is strictly unlawful.

UK Academic MonographDermal & Extracellular MatrixIn Vitro Laboratory Only

GHK-Cu

Q: What is the CAS registry number, molecular formula, and mass of GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 Complex (Gly-His-Lys:Cu2+)) is indexed in the CAS Registry under #49557-75-7. Its empirical molecular formula is C14H24CuN6O4 with a monoisotopic molecular weight of 403.92 g/mol. It is cataloged under the Dermal & Extracellular Matrix research classification.

Q: What are the storage temperature thresholds and solution kinetics for GHK-Cu?

Lyophilized vials require desiccated storage at -20°C dark vacuum desiccator (stable up to 36 months). Once reconstituted into an aqueous solvent, the peptide solution must be stored at 2°C to 8°C refrigerated; protect from UV light (stable 45 days) protected from UV degradation. The laboratory stability window is Stable complex; do not mix with strong reducing agents or ascorbic acid. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Copper Tripeptide-1 Complex (Gly-His-Lys:Cu2+)

PubChem Molecular SpecsValidated

CAS Registry:49557-75-7

Chemical Formula:C14H24CuN6O4

Monoisotopic MW:403.92 g/mol

PubChem CID:73587

Primary Amino Acid Sequence (3 residues)

N-terminus → C-terminus

1Gly

2His

3Lys

Pre-Clinical Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper coordinate complex identified in human plasma. Investigated in UK cosmetic chemistry and cellular biology laboratories for its regulation of matrix metalloproteinases, decorin, and collagen I/III biosynthesis.

Independent Laboratory Audit

Verified UK Suppliers for GHK-Cu

5 Audited British & European Sources

Supplier	Assay Purity	Reagent Format	Dispatch Location	Notes
PharmaGrade Store	≥99.3% (HPLC)	vial	United Kingdom (Royal Mail 24)	Certified deep-blue lyophilized 50mg/100mg reagent vials with high Cu2+ stoichiometry.
Direct Peptides	≥99.1% (HPLC)	vial	UK Hub & Europe	High-purity lyophilized cosmetic and analytical peptide standards.
Direct Sarms	≥98.7% (HPLC)	vial	United Kingdom Express	Analytical grade copper peptide vials tested for fibroblast proliferation.
Peptide Works	≥99.0% (HPLC)	vial	Manchester UK Hub	Northern UK laboratory dispatched lyophilized reagent vials with sequence COA.
PharmaLab Global	≥99.5% (HPLC)	vial	London UK Hub	Triple-stage assayed vials and metered topical spray research formats.

Biochemical Mechanisms of Action

Molecular Signaling Pathways

1Chelates Cu2+ ions in square-planar coordinate geometry, facilitating delivery to dermal cuproenzymes including lysyl oxidase.
2Stimulates gene expression of collagen alpha-1 type I and III in cultured dermal fibroblasts.
3Downregulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) while upregulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1).
4Neutralizes reactive oxygen species and suppresses iron-mediated lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.

Pre-Clinical Laboratory Handling

Laboratory Evaluation Guidelines

Easily recognized by its distinct intense royal blue appearance in aqueous solution due to copper complexation. Evaluated in both dermal regeneration assays and general wound healing models.

Aseptic Dissolution & StorageUK Lab Standard

Recommended Diluent:Sterile Bacteriostatic Water USP or Sterile Saline Reagent

Lyophilized Storage:-20°C dark vacuum desiccator (stable up to 36 months)

Reconstituted Storage:2°C to 8°C refrigerated; protect from UV light (stable 45 days)

Solution Stability:Stable complex; do not mix with strong reducing agents or ascorbic acid

Academic Biochemical Monograph

Receptor Affinity, SPPS Synthesis & Pharmacokinetics

Standardized chemical parameters, solid-phase synthesis criteria, and quantitative receptor affinity benchmarks for GHK-Cu.

Target ReceptorsBinding Kinetics

Primary Receptor Cascade

Dermal Fibroblast Integrin Signaling & Transcriptomic Remodeling

Binding Affinity (Kd / Ki)

High-affinity Cu2+ coordination constant log K = 16.4

Receptor Family

Endogenous Copper(II) Carrier & Metalloproteinase Modulator

Downstream Effectors

Transcriptional regulation of >4,000 remodeling genes
Collagen type I/III and glycosaminoglycan synthesis stimulation
TIMP-1 metalloproteinase inhibitor induction

SPPS MethodologyISO Criteria

Synthesis Protocol

Fmoc SPPS followed by stoichiometric Cu(II) acetate chelation

N-Terminal / C-Terminal Mod

Free amine (H-Gly-) · Free acid (-Lys-OH)

Acid Cleavage Cocktail

TFA / TIS / H2O (95:2.5:2.5 vol/vol)

HPLC Retention Standard

RP-C18: 6.2 min (0.1% TFA in H2O/ACN)

PharmacokineticsIn Vitro / In Vivo

Elimination Half-Life

t1/2 ≈ 0.5 - 1.0 hours (free peptide); prolonged in coordinated complex

Primary Degradation Pathway

Plasma aminopeptidase cleavage into dipeptide fragments

Bioavailability Profile

Aqueous copper coordination standard

Renal Filtration Threshold

Low molecular weight filtration (MW: 404.91 Da)

Quantitative Pre-Clinical & Clinical Evidence Matrix

Documented Biochemical Endpoints & Statistical Significance

Study Design	Cohort (n)	Measured Biological Endpoint	Statistical Significance	NCBI Citation
In Vitro Assay	n = 18 human dermal fibroblast lines	Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis rates	p < 0.001 vs control	PMID 18644225
Preclinical In Vivo	n = 36 ischemic wound punch models	Wound contraction rate and neovascularization index	p < 0.01	PMID 15842571

Peer-Reviewed Academic Citations

Indexed Scientific Literature

The human tripeptide GHK and tissue remodeling

Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition (2008) · Pickart L

Key Finding: Detailed broad gene remodeling across collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and anti-inflammatory pathways.

PubMed PMID: 18644225

BIOCHEMICAL & REGULATORY Q&A

Curated Scientific Q&A for GHK-Cu

Authoritative pre-clinical, analytical, and statutory handling guidelines for laboratory researchers.

5 Curated Questions

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1 Complex (Gly-His-Lys:Cu2+)) is indexed in the CAS Registry under #49557-75-7. Its empirical molecular formula is C14H24CuN6O4 with a monoisotopic molecular weight of 403.92 g/mol. It is cataloged under the Dermal & Extracellular Matrix research classification.

Citation Benchmark: PubChem CID 73587; British Pharmacopoeia Appendix III