Ghk Cu Research
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GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide Research and Matrix Biology
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide complex studied in laboratory settings for its role in copper transport biology, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) regulation, wound healing signalling, and gene expression research. It was first isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 and has since been studied across a wide range of biological contexts.
Chemical and Molecular Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C14H24CuN6O4 (copper complex: C14H23CuN6O4) |
| Molecular weight | Free tripeptide: 340.36 g/mol; Cu complex: 403.92 g/mol |
| CAS number | 49557-75-7 |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| Amino acid count | 3 |
| Metal coordination | Cu2+ chelated by histidine imidazole, N-terminal amine, and deprotonated amide |
| Purity | greater than or equal to 98% as verified by HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
| Storage | -20 degrees C, protected from light and moisture |
| Reconstitution | Sterile water recommended |
GHK-Cu: Copper Coordination and Matrix Biology
Copper Coordination Chemistry
The GHK tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) chelates copper(II) with high affinity through a square planar coordination geometry involving four nitrogen donors: the N-terminal amine nitrogen of Gly, the deprotonated amide nitrogen of His, the imidazole nitrogen of the His side chain, and a fourth nitrogen. This copper coordination geometry gives GHK-Cu one of the highest copper affinities among naturally occurring peptides, with a dissociation constant in the femtomolar range, making it an important copper transporter in plasma.
Wound Healing and Tissue Remodelling Research
GHK-Cu has been studied extensively in wound healing models. Laboratory research has examined its effects on fibroblast migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis in cell culture. Research has also investigated GHK-Cu's effects on matrix metalloproteinase expression, specifically the balance between MMPs (collagenases and gelatinases) and their inhibitors TIMPs, which is critical in extracellular matrix remodelling during wound healing.
This wound healing research connects GHK-Cu to BPC-157 and TB-500 — the three peptides are combined in the Glow Blend research preparation.
Gene Expression Research
A notable area of GHK-Cu research involves its effects on gene expression. Studies using microarray and RNA-seq approaches in fibroblast models have found associations between GHK-Cu treatment and changes in expression of hundreds of genes, including those involved in skin structure proteins, antioxidant enzymes, and anti-inflammatory mediators. The copper-dependent transcription factor SP1 has been examined as a potential mediator of some of these effects.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Research
Laboratory research has examined GHK-Cu's role as an antioxidant and potential modulator of inflammatory signalling. The copper complex has been studied in the context of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity modulation and anti-inflammatory cytokine regulation in cell culture models.
Copper Peptide Comparison
| Compound | Structure | Cu affinity | Primary research |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Gly-His-Lys + Cu2+ | Femtomolar Kd | Matrix biology / gene expression |
| AHK-Cu | Ala-His-Lys + Cu2+ | High | Copper transport variant |
| Carnosine | Beta-Ala-His | Moderate | Antioxidant / glycation research |
| ATCUN peptides | Xaa-Xaa-His motif | High | Various copper coordination |
GHK-Cu and Gene Expression Research
Research published by Pickart et al. using microarray approaches in human fibroblast models found that GHK-Cu treatment was associated with changes in expression of a substantial number of genes, including:
- Upregulation of collagen synthesis genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1)
- Changes in matrix metalloproteinase expression and their inhibitors (TIMP1, TIMP2)
- Upregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes (SOD1, GPX1)
- Changes in anti-inflammatory gene expression
- Alterations in genes involved in skin barrier function (filaggrin, loricrin)
The copper dependence of transcription factor SP1 — which has zinc finger domains that can also coordinate copper — has been proposed as one mechanism through which GHK-Cu may influence gene expression, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain an active area of research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the square planar coordination geometry of GHK-Cu?
In GHK-Cu, the copper(II) ion coordinates to four nitrogen donors in a square planar arrangement: the N-terminal amine nitrogen of Glycine, the deprotonated amide nitrogen of the Gly-His peptide bond, the imidazole nitrogen of the Histidine side chain (N3 position), and a fourth nitrogen — either a water molecule or a second coordination interaction with the Histidine. This arrangement is characteristic of the ATCUN (Amino Terminal Copper and Nickel) binding motif, which requires the sequence Xaa-Xaa-His at the N-terminus for optimal copper coordination.
How does GHK-Cu relate to Glow Blend research?
GHK-Cu is one of three peptides combined in Signal Labs' Glow Blend research preparation (alongside BPC-157 and TB-500). The three compounds target distinct signalling systems: GHK-Cu acts through copper coordination and matrix biology pathways, BPC-157 through NO and FAK-paxillin signalling, and TB-500 through G-actin sequestration and cell migration biology. The Glow Blend preparation allows researchers to study these three signalling systems simultaneously in a single reconstitution.
Published Research References
For laboratory and analytical research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary use. No dosage or administration guidance is provided or implied.
Related research peptides: BPC-157 | TB-500 | Glow Blend | LL-37