GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide Science & Skin Research
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) with a documented role in gene regulation, dermal remodeling, and antioxidant defense.
Mechanism of action
GHK-Cu modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes, including those involved in collagen and elastin synthesis, DNA repair and antioxidant enzyme activity. Copper delivery through the tripeptide carrier facilitates SOD activity and metalloproteinase modulation.
Research benefits
- Increased type I collagen and elastin synthesis in fibroblast cultures
- Hair follicle stimulation in ex-vivo scalp studies
- Antioxidant activity via SOD and glutathione pathways
- Modulation of dermal metalloproteinase expression
Selected studies & citations
GHK-Cu and gene expression
GHK-Cu resets gene expression to a younger, healthier state in fibroblast RNA analyses.
Pickart L, et al. Biomed Res Int. 2015.
Copper tripeptide and hair follicles
GHK-Cu enlarged hair follicles and enhanced growth in balding scalp cultures.
Uno H, et al. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1993.
Safety & handling
GHK-Cu is used extensively in cosmetic formulations with a well-tolerated preclinical profile. Peptana sells GHK-Cu for laboratory use only.