GHK-Cu: Five Decades of Continuous Research Interest
First isolated from human plasma in 1973, GHK-Cu remains one of the most studied copper-binding tripeptides in molecular research literature.
A peptide with a long research history
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine combined with a copper ion) was first isolated by Loren Pickart in 1973 from human plasma. Over five decades of subsequent research has investigated its copper-binding chemistry, gene-expression effects and role in cellular signalling research models.
Pickart and colleagues continued to publish on GHK-Cu through the 2000s and 2010s, with their 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Pickart L, Margolina A. 2018; 19(7):1987) summarising five decades of research observations.
Why it stays in the literature
The interest in GHK-Cu lies in the chemistry of copper-peptide complexes and the breadth of in vitro signalling research models in which it has been studied. Researchers interested in copper homeostasis, ECM-related gene expression and cellular research models routinely reference the GHK-Cu literature.
It is supplied as a distinctive blue-to-blue-green lyophilised powder reflecting the copper(II) complex.
Storage notes
GHK-Cu is stored at 2-8°C in its original lyophilised, sealed vial. Copper-peptide complexes are sensitive to light and oxidation in solution, so reconstitution and aliquoting strategy should be considered with care — although those decisions remain entirely the responsibility of the qualified researcher.
Peptigen Labs supplies GHK-Cu strictly as a research material. We do not provide reconstitution or use guidance.
Researcher FAQs
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide consisting of three amino acids — glycine, L-histidine and L-lysine — complexed with a copper(II) ion. It is a research-use-only laboratory material studied for its copper-binding chemistry and effects on cellular signalling in research models.
When was GHK-Cu discovered?
Dr Loren Pickart first isolated GHK-Cu from human plasma in 1973. Pickart and colleagues have continued to publish on the molecule into the 2010s and 2020s.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
The blue-to-blue-green colour comes from the copper(II) ion bound to the tripeptide. It is a characteristic visual signature of authentic GHK-Cu lyophilised material.
Where can I buy GHK-Cu in the UK?
Peptigen Labs supplies GHK-Cu in 50 mg lyophilised vials from UK stock. Orders before 14:00 GMT on a UK working day are dispatched the same day with tracked next-day delivery. Every batch ships with an independent Certificate of Analysis at ≥99% HPLC purity.
- Pickart L, Margolina A. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(7):1987.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:324832.
This article describes published research literature only. It is not medical, dosing, administration, therapeutic, veterinary or human-use guidance. Peptigen Labs material is supplied strictly for laboratory research use only.