GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide Glycine-Histidine-Lysine, first isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973. Its plasma concentration declines with age — from ~200 ng/mL at 20 to under 80 ng/mL by 60. A landmark 2012 genomic study demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates expression of 32% of the human genome, making it the most wide-ranging regulatory peptide ever characterised.

Key Mechanisms

• Collagen I, III & VI synthesis — upregulates COL1A1, COL3A1, decorin
• MMP/TIMP balance — remodels ECM without excess degradation
• Copper-SOD activation — delivers Cu²⁺ to superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase
• VEGF & FGF-2 induction — drives angiogenesis and fibroblast recruitment
• BDNF expression — promotes neural outgrowth and axonal regeneration
• Anti-cancer genomics — downregulates metastasis genes, upregulates tumour suppressors

Research Applications

• Skin regeneration and anti-aging (collagen density, skin thickness)
• Wound healing — chronic ulcers, surgical wounds
• Hair follicle stimulation (androgenetic alopecia models)
• Pulmonary fibrosis prevention (TGF-β1 suppression)
• Neural regeneration and neuroprotection

Key References

1. Pickart L et al. “GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging.” Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2012;2012:324832.
2. Pickart L, Margolina A. “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide.” Int J Mol Sci, 2018;19(7):1987.