Chemical Identity
| Name | GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Copper tripeptide-1, prezatide copper |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 401.91 g/mol |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II) |
| Structure Class | Naturally occurring tripeptide forming a high-affinity complex with copper(II) |
Mechanisms at a Glance
- High-affinity Cu(II) binding that modulates copper availability to enzymes such as lysyl oxidase
- Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblast cultures
- Associated with broad gene-expression changes in Connectivity Map analyses
Research Applications
- Fibroblast and extracellular-matrix studies
- Wound-healing models
- Cosmetic formulation research
Handling & Storage
Store lyophilized material at −20 °C, desiccated and protected from light; after reconstitution, keep solutions at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days. Protect from light and avoid strong chelating agents such as EDTA, which strip the copper ion. See our storage and stability guide and reconstitution guide for technique and diluent selection.
Regulatory Status
GHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA as a drug for any indication. Material supplied by Aclopiel is strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or veterinary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring plasma tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, studied in skin, wound-healing and extracellular-matrix research.
What is the CAS number of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is registered under CAS number 89030-95-5. Its molecular formula is C14H22CuN6O4 and its molecular weight is 401.91 g/mol.
How should GHK-Cu be stored?
Store lyophilized GHK-Cu at −20 °C, desiccated and protected from light. After reconstitution, keep it at 2–8 °C and use it within 28 days. Protect from light and avoid strong chelating agents such as EDTA, which strip the copper ion.
Is GHK-Cu approved for human use?
GHK-Cu is not approved by the FDA as a drug for any indication. Aclopiel supplies it strictly for in-vitro laboratory research; it is not for human or veterinary use.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
Copper(II) complexes absorb light in the orange-red region of the spectrum, so the powder and its solutions appear blue.
Why can mass spectrometry show free GHK?
Under electrospray conditions the copper complex can partially dissociate, so spectra may show GHK (about 340.4 Da) alongside the complex.
Alternative Designations & Synonyms
GHK-Cu also appears in the literature and supplier listings under the following names and codes:
- Copper tripeptide-1
- prezatide copper
- GHK Copper
- Copper Tripeptide-1
- Prezatide copper
- Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)
- Copper peptide GHK
References
Pickart L, Thaler MM, Nat New Biol 1973; Maquart FX et al., FEBS Lett 1988; Pickart L, Margolina A, Int J Mol Sci 2018.