GHK-CU 50mg

GHK-Cu 50mg — Copper Tripeptide-1

Loren Pickart was not looking for a peptide when he found GHK-Cu. He was studying age-related differences in liver tissue in 1973 and noticed that a small molecule in human plasma — just three amino acids complexed with a copper ion — could shift old tissue toward a younger functional profile. Five decades and over 150 peer-reviewed studies later, GHK-CU 50mg remains one of the most thoroughly investigated copper-peptide complexes in the research literature.

A molecule that programs genes

The Broad Institute’s Connectivity Map database revealed something striking: GHK-Cu affects the expression of roughly 4,048 human genes, approximately 6% of the genome. The pattern is consistent — upregulation of collagen, growth factors, integrins, elastin, decorin, and glycosaminoglycans, alongside downregulation of inflammatory mediators and excess metalloproteinases (Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci, 2018; PMC6073405).

Plasma levels tell their own story: roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20, dropping to about 80 ng/mL by age 60. The copper(II) ion is not just structural scaffolding — it is functionally active in roughly 30 copper-dependent enzyme systems.

Specifications

Sequence	Gly-His-Lys:Cu²⁺
Molecular Formula	C14H24CuN6O4
Molecular Weight	403.92 g/mol
CAS Number (GHK)	49557-75-7
CAS Number (GHK-Cu)	89030-95-5
Form	Lyophilized powder
Appearance	Blue to blue-purple powder
Solubility	Soluble in water
Quantity	50mg per vial

Research areas

Extracellular matrix remodeling

Pickart’s original work in rat wound models established the foundation — GHK-CU 50mg influences collagen synthesis, decorin production, and glycosaminoglycan expression in fibroblast cultures (Nature, 1980; PubMed 7453802).

MMP regulation

Research has examined GHK-Cu’s effects on MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP balance — the metalloproteinase system that governs ECM turnover and remodeling.

Antioxidant interactions

Flow cytometry and ESR spin-trapping studies have characterized interactions with SOD activity, glutathione peroxidase pathways, and hydroxyl/peroxyl radical species.

Anti-inflammatory pathways

Preclinical work in cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation models documented NF-κB pathway modulation and Nrf2 activation effects on inflammatory mediator expression (Pickart & Margolina, 2018).

GHK-Cu vs BPC-157

Different compounds, different mechanisms. GHK-CU 50mg works through copper-dependent enzymatic pathways and gene expression modulation. BPC-157 works through connective tissue models and nitric oxide signaling. Peptide Bio Sciences LTD carries both individually and together in the Glow 50/10/10 blend (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500).

Research applications

• Peptide-metal complex characterization via LC-MS
• Fibroblast and keratinocyte cell culture studies
• ECM remodeling and collagen expression analysis
• Copper-dependent enzyme pathway research
• Gene expression profiling and Connectivity Map analysis
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathway screening

Quality and testing

Third-party tested with ICP-MS verification of copper content. Batch-specific COAs available.

Storage

• Lyophilized: -20°C for long-term stability
• Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days
• Protection: Shield from light and moisture

GHK-CU 50mg is Frequently paired with

• BPC-157 5mg — Also available in Glow 50/10/10.
• Epithalon 10mg — Telomerase-focused research.
• SNAP-8 10mg — SNARE complex studies.

References

1. Pickart L, et al. “Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells.” Nature. 1980;288(5792):715-717. PubMed 7453802
2. Pickart L, Margolina A. “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.” Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PMC6073405
3. Park JR, et al. “The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.” Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405-58417.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.