Maple GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper chelate) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First identified in 1973 by Loren Pickart, GHK-Cu has been documented to modulate the expression of over 4,000 human genes and is one of the most extensively studied peptides in tissue remodeling and skin regeneration research.
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Molecular Profile
GHK is a tripeptide with the sequence glycine-histidine-lysine. Its molecular formula is C14H24N6O4 with a molecular weight of 340.38 Da for the free peptide. The CAS number for the copper complex (GHK-Cu) is 49557-75-7. GHK binds copper(II) ions with an affinity similar to the copper transport site on serum albumin, forming a stable 1:1 chelate complex.
GHK is present in human plasma at approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60 (Dou et al., Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics, 2020, DOI: 10.31491/apt.2020.03.014). This age-related decline has made GHK-Cu a subject of significant interest in aging and regeneration research.
Primary Research Mechanisms
Gene Expression Modulation
According to research indexed in PubMed, the most striking property of GHK-Cu is its capacity to modulate gene expression at a genome-wide scale. Pickart and Margolina (2018) in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987) reported that GHK is capable of up-regulating and down-regulating at least 4,000 human genes, “essentially resetting DNA to a healthier state.” The gene expression changes span multiple functional categories including tissue repair, anti-inflammatory response, antioxidant defense, proteasome activation (cell cleansing), and DNA repair pathways.
This broad gene-regulatory capacity may explain the seemingly diverse biological activities attributed to a single tripeptide. Rather than acting through a single receptor or signaling cascade, GHK-Cu appears to influence cellular function at the transcriptional level across multiple biochemical pathways simultaneously.
Tissue Remodeling and Wound Healing
Pickart (2008) in the Journal of Biomaterials Science (DOI: 10.1163/156856208784909435) characterized GHK-Cu as an activator of tissue remodeling processes that follow the initial phase of wound healing. The remodeling activities documented include: chemoattraction of repair cells (macrophages, mast cells, capillary cells), increased synthesis of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, VEGF, FGF-2, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophins 3 and 4, promotion of fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, nerve outgrowth, angiogenesis, and hair follicle enlargement.
In a mouse scald wound model, Wang et al. (2017) at Dalian Medical University (DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12520) demonstrated that GHK-Cu promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation with a 33.1% increased rate. In vivo, GHK-Cu treatment shortened wound healing time to 14 days post-injury, with enhanced angiogenesis confirmed by increased CD31 and Ki67 immunofluorescence signals. Western blotting showed enhanced expression of VEGF and FGF-2, as well as cell cycle proteins CDK4 and CyclinD1.
Collagen and Extracellular Matrix Regulation
GHK-Cu has a dual regulatory effect on collagen metabolism. It stimulates both collagen synthesis and the production of metalloproteinases that break down damaged collagen. This bidirectional regulation is characteristic of tissue remodeling (as opposed to simple repair) because effective remodeling requires both the production of new structural proteins and the removal of damaged or disorganized existing matrix. GHK-Cu also stimulates synthesis of dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and the small proteoglycan decorin, which are critical components of the dermal extracellular matrix (Pickart et al., BioMed Research International, 2015, DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108).
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
GHK-Cu demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of free radicals, thromboxane formation, and release of oxidizing iron. It also modulates the expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), two cytokines central to inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Additionally, GHK-Cu increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, enhances vessel vasodilation, blocks ultraviolet damage to skin keratinocytes, and improves fibroblast recovery after radiation therapy.
Research Applications
Preclinical and in-vitro research on GHK-Cu spans multiple tissue systems. Pickart and Margolina (2018) documented health-positive effects across skin (wound healing, remodeling, photoprotection), lung connective tissue (COPD fibroblast restoration), bone tissue (healing acceleration), liver (protection from chemical damage), stomach lining (ulcer healing), and nervous tissue (nerve outgrowth, preliminary evidence of cognitive effects in aging mouse models). The peptide also has documented anti-cancer activity in gene expression studies, though this research is at an early stage.
Dou et al. (2020) at the University of Washington reported preliminary observations that GHK can partially reverse cognitive impairment in aging mice by targeting anti-inflammatory and epigenetic pathways, adding a neurological dimension to GHK-Cu research.
Product Specifications
Sequence: Glycine-Histidine-Lysine (copper chelate)
CAS Number: 49557-75-7
Molecular Formula: C14H24N6O4 (free peptide)
Molecular Weight: 340.38 Da (free peptide)
Purity: ≥99% (HPLC verified)
Form: Lyophilized powder
Storage: -20°C, desiccated, protected from light
COA: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis by independent third-party testing (Testides Analytical)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu and where is it found naturally?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-peptide complex consisting of the tripeptide glycine-histidine-lysine (GHK) bound to a copper(II) ion. It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma levels average approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 and decline to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60. GHK was first identified in 1973 by Loren Pickart during research on the difference between young and old human plasma in promoting hepatocyte protein synthesis.
How many genes does GHK-Cu affect?
Gene expression profiling studies have shown that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, approximately 6% of the human genome. The affected genes span multiple functional categories including tissue repair, anti-inflammatory response, antioxidant defense, proteasome function, and DNA repair. This broad gene-regulatory capacity has been proposed as the explanation for the peptide’s diverse biological activities across different tissue types.
Where can I buy GHK-Cu research peptide in Canada?
Maple Research Labs supplies GHK-Cu copper peptide verified at 99%+ purity by Testides Analytical. All orders ship from within Canada with same-day processing and include a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. GHK-Cu is sold exclusively for research purposes and is not approved for human use.
What is the role of copper in GHK-Cu?
The copper(II) ion in the GHK-Cu complex is integral to many of the peptide’s documented biological activities. Copper is a cofactor for multiple enzymes involved in tissue repair, including lysyl oxidase (which cross-links collagen and elastin) and superoxide dismutase (an antioxidant enzyme). GHK binds copper with an affinity similar to the copper transport site on albumin, suggesting a physiological role in copper delivery to tissues. The copper complex also influences the peptide’s interaction with cell surface receptors and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Related Research
Explore related peptide research from Maple Research Labs: BPC-157 Pentadecapeptide | TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) | Glow Blend (GHK-Cu formulation) | Understanding Certificates of Analysis | GLP-1 Incretin Pathway Research
For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.