What Is GHK-Cu?

Classification and structure

GHK is a three-amino-acid peptide (Gly-His-Lys) with a high binding affinity for copper(II) ions; the bound complex is referred to as GHK-Cu. In the literature it is grouped with the copper-peptide class of signalling molecules, and the GHK sequence has been reported as occurring naturally in human plasma.

Mechanism studied in research

Research into GHK-Cu characterises it in relation to:

• Copper transport / chelation — its defining biochemical property.
• Extracellular-matrix remodelling — studied in connective-tissue and skin-science models, including effects on matrix metalloproteinases.
• Gene-expression and antioxidant pathways — investigated in cell-culture research.

These statements describe the published scientific record; they are not claims about any effect in humans.

Research background

GHK and GHK-Cu appear across cell-biology and matrix-science literature, including primary fibroblast-culture studies and review articles on copper-peptide chemistry. Findings are reported in the primary scientific literature listed below.

Purity, testing and handling

Lazarus Labs supplies GHK-Cu as a lyophilised reference material, independently tested to 99%+ purity, with a batch Certificate of Analysis (COA). Store cold and protected from light, per standard laboratory practice.