Molecule profile
GHK-Cu, or copper tripeptide-1, is the complex formed between the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys and a copper(II) ion. Isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973, it is widely studied in matrix biology: its coordination chemistry, its copper binding and its effect on gene expression in cell culture are the subject of a substantial literature. Velia Labs lists lyophilised 50 mg and 100 mg formats reserved for research; the product page shows current stock and documentation status.
Research use only. The GHK-Cu sold by Velia Labs is a reference chemical intended exclusively for laboratory research (in vitro or experimental models). It is not a medicine, not a cosmetic and not a dietary supplement: it is not intended for human or animal consumption, nor for application to skin, and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or a protocol for use.
GHK is the glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide. GHK-Cu contains copper, so its mass must not be confused with that of the free peptide. PubChem’s charged C14H23CuN6O4+ representation (CID 71587328) has a reference molecular weight of 402.92 g/mol. This does not establish a commercial batch’s salt, counterions or composition, which require documentation for the supplied material.
The publications describe copper coordination by the peptide and interactions in experimental systems. Comparing studies requires attention to chemical form, medium composition and analytical methods. A constant measured under particular conditions does not describe every copper exchange in a biological system.
At the transcriptional level, microarray analysis from the Broad Institute (Connectivity Map) showed that exposing fibroblasts to GHK alters the expression of several thousand human genes, with a profile oriented toward extracellular-matrix remodelling: collagens, decorin, matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). For a laboratory that makes it a strong tool for studying matrix turnover, the fibroblast response and copper-dependent signalling in a controlled system.
The publications below are the public scientific basis for GHK-Cu. They report basic and preclinical research — they do not define any use for the research products Velia Labs sells.
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. — Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2012
The reference review by the molecule’s discoverer: the chemistry of the complex, its copper affinity, and a synthesis of the available experimental data.
Read on PubMed (PMID: 22666519)Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. — BioMed Research International, 2015
Analysis of the Connectivity Map data: the gene-expression profile induced by GHK in cultured human fibroblasts.
Read on PubMed (PMID: 26236730)Pickart L, Margolina A. — International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018
An update covering modulation of the extracellular matrix, the metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors.
Read on PubMed (PMID: 29986520)GHK is the free peptide; GHK-Cu, also written GHKCU, is a copper complex. Mass depends on the represented chemical species: PubChem CID 71587328 gives 402.92 g/mol for C14H23CuN6O4+. Salt, counterions and batch composition require separate documentation; a reference mass is not an analysis of the vial.
Copper can contribute to the complex’s color. Visual inspection does not establish batch identity, content or purity, however. Those conclusions require appropriate analytical evidence.
It is the quantity of lyophilised peptide in the vial — a raw-material amount for your experiments, not a dose. Our product pages never describe a schedule of use: these products are restricted to laboratory research.
Like any research-grade lyophilised peptide: cold (ideally −20 °C for long-term storage), protected from light and moisture, in its sealed vial. Once reconstituted for an experimental protocol, stability depends on the solvent, the pH and the conditions — follow your own laboratory’s good practice.
Under no circumstances. Every Velia Labs compound is sold strictly for laboratory research. Any human, cosmetic or veterinary use is prohibited by our terms of sale.
Check the formats, stock, technical data and analysis status currently shown on the product page. Shipping across France and Europe.
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