GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine, where it exists complexed with copper(II) ions. First isolated by Loren Pickart in 1973, it was initially studied for effects on liver cell metabolism. Plasma concentrations decline significantly with age — from ~200 ng/mL in young adults to below 80 ng/mL in elderly populations — a pattern that has attracted longevity research interest.

GHK-Cu activates a broad set of genes associated with wound healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and tissue remodeling. Mechanistic work has identified effects on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity — stimulating MMPs to remove damaged tissue while simultaneously upregulating inhibitors TIMP-1/2 to prevent excessive degradation. This balanced remodeling activity, along with angiogenesis promotion and decorin synthesis, distinguishes GHK-Cu from simpler pro-growth compounds.

Research applications include skin biology, wound healing models, hair follicle biology (GHK-Cu has demonstrated stimulatory effects on follicle size and cycling in animal studies), inflammatory signaling, and aging biology. The compound's ability to selectively activate skin repair gene networks has made it a subject of ongoing dermatological research.