What is GHK‑Cu?
GHK‑Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide composed of glycyl‑L‑histidyl‑L‑lysine complexed with copper (II) ions. It was first isolated from human plasma and has since been studied for its regulatory role in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and antioxidant pathways in laboratory models. Its small size and high affinity for copper make it an important research molecule for exploring wound healing and extracellular matrix remodeling processes.
 
Chemical Structure of GHK‑Cu
The chemical formula of GHK‑Cu is C₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄, with a molecular weight of 401.91 g/mol. Structurally, the copper ion coordinates with the nitrogen atoms of glycine and histidine and the oxygen of the lysine residue, forming a stable square‑pyramidal complex. This configuration reduces free copper’s oxidative activity, allowing GHK‑Cu to serve as a safe copper carrier in biochemical studies.
 
Citations
Pickart, L., & Thaler, M. M., “Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver,” Nature, 1973. 
Maquart, F. X., et al., “Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide–copper complex GHK-Cu,” FEBS Letters, 1988. 
Pickart, L., “The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling,” Journal of Biomaterials Science, 2008. 
Pickart, L., et al., “GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration,” BioMed Research International, 2015. 
Siméon, A., et al., “Copper-binding tripeptide GHK-Cu stimulates tissue remodeling and angiogenesis,” Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2004.