GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide Research in Fibroblast and Wound Models

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + Cu²⁺) is a naturally occurring tripeptide that binds copper with extraordinarily high affinity. Plasma levels in humans decline with age, which initially prompted interest in its biological role.

In vitro literature is extensive: fibroblast proliferation assays, collagen and elastin gene-expression panels, and antioxidant enzyme upregulation have all been reported. More recent work has characterized GHK-Cu's effects in transcriptomic studies, where it modulates expression of hundreds of genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling.

A practical note for researchers: GHK-Cu solutions are pale blue due to the bound copper. Loss of color during storage suggests copper dissociation and loss of activity. Reconstituted working stocks should be protected from light and used within two weeks.

COA review for GHK-Cu should explicitly confirm copper content alongside peptide purity — a pure peptide without bound copper is not GHK-Cu.