Introduction
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) has been investigated in laboratory research on extracellular matrix biology, gene-expression profiling, and dermal model systems. This overview is for scientific reference only.
Chemical and structural summary
Tripeptide Gly-His-Lys complexed with copper(II). Supplied as lyophilized research material. CAS and mass can vary by salt/complex form; verify lot documentation.
| Catalog name | GHK-Cu Copper Peptide |
|---|---|
| Category | Skin / ECM Research |
| CAS | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular weight note | Complex forms often reported roughly 340-404 g/mol range - confirm lot CoA |
| Documentation | Lot-specific CoA available on request |
Research history and background
The GHK peptide and its copper complex have a long research history in connective-tissue and skin-biology literature, including work associated with Pickart and colleagues on remodeling-related gene expression and matrix endpoints in experimental systems.
Areas investigated in laboratory and preclinical research
The following themes appear in peer-reviewed literature. Inclusion here means the topic has been studied or reviewed scientifically - not that catalog materials are validated for any endpoint.
- Collagen and extracellular-matrix pathway research models
- Gene-expression and remodeling-related laboratory studies discussed for GHK/GHK-Cu
- Oxidative stress and copper-peptide chemistry contexts in experimental literature
Mechanisms discussed in the literature
Published discussions link GHK-Cu to modulation of gene sets related to matrix remodeling and antioxidant defenses in experimental systems. These are literature mechanisms under study, not clinical product claims for RUO materials.
Key published studies and reviews
Prefer primary literature. Open links in a new tab. Always read full papers for methods and limitations.
Known limitations and evidence gaps
Cosmetic or clinical product claims found in marketing sources are not equivalent to controlled laboratory research use. In vitro findings do not prove clinical outcomes. Confirm complex stoichiometry and purity on CoA.
Laboratory handling notes
General laboratory practice for lyophilized peptides includes cool, dry storage protected from moisture and light, careful reconstitution with appropriate research diluents, and documentation of lot numbers. See educational guides for process literacy - not product-specific validated stability claims.
- Storage and stability of lyophilized peptides
- Reconstitution best practices for laboratory use
- Reconstitution calculator (concentration and aliquot volume math)
- How to read a Certificate of Analysis
Regulatory status note
Materials sold by VialVibes are Research Use Only. They are not intended for human consumption, clinical administration, or veterinary use, and are not sold as FDA-approved drugs. Where the scientific literature discusses approved medicines or investigational drug programs involving the same active structure class, those regulated products remain distinct from RUO research reagents. See Research Use Only - what it means and the legal RUO policy.