What Is GHK-Cu? A Research Overview

GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) is one of the most-studied small peptides in laboratory research. This overview covers what it is at a molecular level and how it's characterized — strictly for research context.

Molecular profile

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide — glycine-histidine-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) — bound to a copper(II) ion.

• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺
• CAS number: 89030-95-5
• Class: copper-binding tripeptide complex
• Molecular weight: ≈ 403.9 g/mol

The peptide occurs naturally and has a strong affinity for copper, which is central to how it's studied.

Research context

In the laboratory, GHK-Cu is studied in in-vitro models of the extracellular matrix and cellular signaling — for example, research into matrix remodeling, gene-expression signatures, and copper transport. It's a common reference compound precisely because it's well-characterized.

Nothing here describes or implies human, clinical, or therapeutic use — GHK-Cu supplied for research is for in-vitro laboratory work only.

How it's characterized

Research-grade GHK-Cu should come with a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis reporting identity (confirmed) and purity by HPLC (typically ≥99%). If you're new to reading these, see our guide on how to read a Certificate of Analysis.

Handling

GHK-Cu is supplied lyophilized. Store the sealed powder cold and dry, protected from light, and follow standard reconstitution practice for your protocol — see lyophilized peptide storage & handling.

In the catalog

You can view the current batch, purity, and COA for our GHK-Cu research compound on its product page.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.