GHK-Cu
50mg · ≥99.4% Purity
A naturally occurring copper-bound tripeptide found in human plasma that activates the body's collagen synthesis, wound repair, and cellular regeneration pathways. One of the most studied peptides in regenerative biology research with over 50 years of peer-reviewed literature.
Transparency
Certificate of Analysis
Every batch independently verified by third-party laboratories.
Batch #TL-2503
Analytical Formulations Inc.
All Trident Labs products are independently tested by accredited third-party laboratories. Results are batch-specific and provided for research transparency only. This product is not approved for human use.
The body's own tissue repair signal. In vitro research.
A naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine — discovered in 1973 and studied for over 50 years. GHK-Cu activates the pathways the body uses for collagen production, wound repair, and cellular regeneration. A precision tool for in vitro research into extracellular matrix biology, fibroblast signaling, and gene expression modulation.
Pickart & Margolina IJMS 2018 · Medsci Tripeptide Review 2025 · All data from peer-reviewed literature. For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption.
Manufactured in US
US-formulated & filled
Endotoxin Tested
<0.05 EU/mL verified
Independently Tested
Horizon Analytical · 6-panel COA
Same Day Shipping
Order by 3PM PST
GHK-Cu is supplied exclusively for qualified in vitro laboratory research. Not for human administration.
This product is a research-grade synthetic tripeptide-copper complex supplied under research use only (RUO) designation. It is not approved by the FDA as a drug for any indication, not evaluated for safety or efficacy in humans, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. By purchasing, the buyer represents they are a qualified researcher who will use this compound solely for lawful in vitro laboratory research. This product is not a dietary supplement, food, drug, or medical device. Trident Labs supplies GHK-Cu exclusively for cell-based, in vitro, or analytical research applications.
Mechanism of Action
Copper chelation.
Tissue repair signaling.
GHK-Cu operates through two interrelated mechanisms — direct copper ion delivery to enzymatic systems and peptide-mediated activation of regenerative gene networks. The Cu²⁺ ion is chelated through three nitrogen donors with a binding constant of log K = 16.44, creating a stable complex that survives physiological conditions in vitro while remaining bioavailable to cellular systems.
Cu²⁺ Chelation — Three Nitrogen Donors
GHK chelates copper(II) through the glycine alpha-amino group, the deprotonated Gly-His amide nitrogen, and the histidine imidazole Nε — forming a square-planar coordination complex with log K = 16.44. This high binding affinity stabilizes Cu²⁺ for controlled intracellular delivery while preventing free radical generation from unbound copper.
Collagen I & III Synthesis · MMP / TIMP Balance
GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast production of collagen types I and III, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans including dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Simultaneously modulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) — producing a net effect of ECM remodeling rather than simple synthesis or degradation.
4,000+ Gene Modulation — Epigenetic Mechanism
Transcriptomic analysis using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map identified GHK as modulating over 4,000 human genes (31.2% of the genome) — upregulating tissue repair, stem cell, and antioxidant gene networks while downregulating inflammatory, fibrotic, and cancer-progression pathways. The mechanism appears epigenetic — altering gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself.
SOD & Catalase Upregulation · ROS Neutralization
GHK-Cu upregulates superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase — the primary enzymatic antioxidant systems — while the chelated copper itself neutralizes hydroxyl radicals. The net antioxidant effect protects fibroblasts from oxidative damage in cell culture models, maintaining replicative capacity through serial passage.
Gene Expression Profile
4,000 genes.
One tripeptide.
Connectivity Map analysis revealed GHK modulates expression of 31.2% of human genes at a threshold of ≥50% change — the broadest documented gene expression profile for any small peptide. Key pathway categories below.
Gene Category — Modulation Magnitude
Pickart & Margolina IJMS 2018. Broad Institute Connectivity Map analysis. Relative magnitudes — in vitro data, research use only.
Molecular Identity
3 AA
Gly-His-Lys tripeptide
340 Da
MW — C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
1973
Discovered — Loren Pickart
16.44
log K Cu²⁺ binding constant
IUPAC
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine · copper(II) complex
Pickart 1973 · Pickart & Margolina IJMS 2018
Compound Profile
Full specification.
Molecular and analytical specification from peer-reviewed literature and Trident Labs batch records.
| Common Name | GHK-Cu / Copper Tripeptide / Copper Peptide |
| IUPAC | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine · copper(II) complex |
| CAS Number | 49557-75-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 340.38 Da (free acid) · 403.91 Da (Cu²⁺ complex) |
| Structure | Linear tripeptide · Cu²⁺ chelated via 3 nitrogen donors |
| Cu Binding Constant | log K = 16.44 — high-affinity square-planar coordination |
| Natural Source | Human plasma (~200 ng/mL at age 20) · saliva · urine · declines with age |
| Key Activities | Collagen I & III synthesis · MMP/TIMP modulation · SOD/catalase upregulation · angiogenesis · 4,000+ gene modulation |
| Effective Conc. | 1–10 nM — maximal biological effect in fibroblast models |
| Form | Lyophilized powder · sealed glass vial |
| Purity | ≥99% HPLC · Mass Spec confirmed · 6-panel COA · Horizon Analytical |
| Endotoxin | <0.05 EU/mL · LAL-tested · Horizon Analytical |
| Solubility | Water, PBS · 1 mg/mL stock typical · slight blue-green color in solution |
| Storage | −20°C lyophilized · 4°C reconstituted · protect from light |
| Regulatory | RUOIn Vitro Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption |
Signaling Pathways
Four measurable
downstream outputs.
GHK-Cu drives four quantifiable signaling arms in fibroblast and keratinocyte cell models. Each represents a distinct, independently measurable endpoint in standard in vitro assay formats.
Collagen I & III Synthesis — Fibroblast Activation
GHK-Cu stimulates fibroblast mRNA production for collagen types I and III, elastin, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. Measurable via hydroxyproline assay, Sirius Red staining, or qPCR. Peak effect at 1–10 nM — above 1 µM activity declines, making concentration-dependence a key variable in assay design.
SOD & Catalase Upregulation — Antioxidant Defense
GHK-Cu upregulates superoxide dismutase (SOD1/SOD2) and catalase gene expression in fibroblast models, measured by enzyme activity assay or Western blot. Simultaneously, Cu²⁺ delivery supports copper-zinc SOD (CuZnSOD) enzymatic function directly. Net result: reduced intracellular ROS load in oxidatively stressed cell cultures.
Epigenetic Gene Modulation — 4,000+ Targets
Connectivity Map transcriptomics identified 4,000+ genes modulated ≥50% by GHK — including DNA repair genes (47 upregulated, 5 suppressed), cancer suppressor pathways, and COPD lung remodeling genes. The mechanism appears epigenetic — DNMT and histone modification pathways have been implicated in ongoing research.
Angiogenesis — VEGF & Endothelial Chemoattraction
Cu²⁺ ions are known angiogenic factors — stimulating VEGF expression and endothelial cell migration in tube formation assays. GHK-Cu attracts both immune and endothelial cells to sites of injury in wound models, and GHK-Cu-treated irradiated fibroblasts show early increases in bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and VEGF production.
Pickart et al. BioMed Res Int 2015 · Finkley et al. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2005. In vitro data — research use only.
4K+ genes
Gene Expression Reach
31.2% of human genome
1–10 nM
Effective Concentration
Peak fibroblast response
50+ yrs
Research History
Discovered 1973 · Pickart
3 AA
Peptide Length
Gly · His · Lys + Cu²⁺
Key Research Observations
What the literature
demonstrates.
Independent observations from cell-based, genetic, and pharmacological studies. Not Trident Labs claims. All data from peer-reviewed literature.
GHK-Cu at 1–10 nM stimulates fibroblast production of collagen I and III, elastin, and the small proteoglycan decorin. Decorin production increased 302% at 1 nM in Maquart et al. — a concentration orders of magnitude below cytotoxicity thresholds. Above 1 µM, stimulatory effects plateau or reverse — concentration-dependence is a defining characteristic of GHK-Cu's in vitro pharmacology.
Maquart et al. · Pickart et al. BioMed Res Int 2015;648108
Connectivity Map transcriptomic analysis found GHK modulates 4,000+ human genes at ≥50% threshold — including 47 DNA repair genes significantly upregulated and 5 suppressed. Gene networks shifted toward patterns associated with younger tissue, including stem cell gene programs, integrin secretion in basal keratinocytes, and reversal of COPD-associated destructive remodeling gene signatures.
Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci 2018;19(7):1987. PMC6073405
GHK-Cu-treated irradiated fibroblasts showed accelerated population doubling time approximating normal unirradiated controls. Treated cells demonstrated early increases in basic FGF and VEGF production — suggesting GHK-Cu restores replicative vitality in radiation-damaged cells via growth factor upregulation, an effect quantified in Finkley et al.'s 2005 in vitro fibroblast study.
Finkley et al., Arch Facial Plast Surg 2005;7(1):27–31
A 2023 randomized double-blind clinical trial of GHK-Cu encapsulated in nano-lipid carriers demonstrated 31.6% reduction in wrinkle volume versus Matrixyl® 3000 and 55.8% wrinkle volume reduction versus control serum after 8 weeks of twice-daily application. Skin biopsy analysis confirmed increased collagen density via immunohistochemistry — providing histological evidence of in vivo ECM remodeling.
EurekAlert / Epigenetic mechanisms study 2023 · Pickart & Margolina PMC6073405
Storage & Handling
Stability protocol.
Lab handling notes.
GHK-Cu is a copper-chelated peptide with specific stability considerations. The blue-green color in solution is characteristic and expected — it indicates copper complexation, not degradation.
Long-term
−20°C
Lyophilized, sealed. Stable 24 months. Avoid frost-free freezers — thermal cycling degrades peptide-copper complex integrity.
In solution
4°C
Reconstituted in PBS or water. Stable 7–14 days refrigerated. Slight blue-green color is normal — indicates intact Cu²⁺ chelation.
Solvent
PBS / H₂O
Reconstitute in sterile water or PBS (pH 7.0–7.4). 0.5–1 mg/mL stock. Avoid strong acid or alkali — disrupts copper chelation geometry.
Avoid
Chelators
EDTA and EGTA will compete for Cu²⁺ — do not use in assay buffers with GHK-Cu. Light exposure accelerates oxidative degradation of His imidazole.
For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption. GHK-Cu is supplied exclusively for in vitro laboratory research. Not a drug, dietary supplement, food, or medical device. For lawful in vitro laboratory research use only by qualified researchers.
Published Literature
50+ years of indexed
GHK-Cu research.
Independent peer-reviewed studies. Not Trident Labs claims. For Research Use Only.
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
Landmark 2018 review integrating 50 years of GHK-Cu research with new Connectivity Map gene expression data. Reports GHK modulates 4,000+ human genes at ≥50% threshold — 31.2% of the human genome. Upregulated networks include collagen synthesis, DNA repair, stem cell programs, and antioxidant systems. Downregulated networks include inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis-associated genes, and cancer-progression pathways. Discusses epigenetic mechanism, cross-species wound healing data (rats, mice, pigs, dogs), and clinical trial evidence for skin matrix remodeling. The most comprehensive GHK-Cu reference in peer-reviewed literature. IJMS 2018;19(7):1987. PMC6073405.
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
Comprehensive review of GHK-Cu's role in skin regeneration, covering collagen/glycosaminoglycan synthesis stimulation, MMP/TIMP modulation, fibroblast activation, and wound healing across multiple animal models. Documents GHK-Cu's ability to attract immune and endothelial cells to injury sites, restore fibroblast replicative vitality post-radiation, and stimulate nerve and blood vessel outgrowth. At 1–10 nM: stimulates collagen I, III, decorin, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate. Decorin increase of 302% at 1 nM confirmed. Reviews stratum corneum penetration data. BioMed Res Int 2015;648108. PMC4508379.
Effects of Copper Tripeptide on Growth and Expression of Growth Factors by Normal and Irradiated Fibroblasts
In vitro study demonstrating GHK-Cu accelerates population doubling of irradiated fibroblasts to approximate normal unirradiated controls. GHK-Cu-treated irradiated fibroblasts showed early increases in basic FGF and VEGF production — two key growth factors for wound healing and angiogenesis. Provides mechanistic evidence for GHK-Cu's restoration of replicative capacity in damaged cells. Documents dose-dependent collagen synthesis stimulation and glycosaminoglycan production. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2005;7(1):27–31.
Modulation of Gene Expression in Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells by GHK-Cu
Reports GHK-Cu's gene expression effects on MCF7 breast cancer and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines. GHK upregulates cancer suppressor genes and downregulates genes associated with cancer progression and metastasis. Hong et al. study cited: GHK reversed expression of 70% of genes in a metastatic colon cancer gene signature at 1 µM. Reviews antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and COPD lung remodeling gene data. Provides evidence for GHK-Cu as a broad-spectrum gene expression modulator across tissue types. OBM Genetics 2021;5(2).
Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review
2025 systematic review covering tripeptide research published 2016–2025. GHK-Cu featured as primary example — promotes fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling. Reviews KPV alongside GHK-Cu as complementary tripeptide for anti-inflammatory wound repair. Covers advanced delivery formulations including nanoparticle encapsulation strategies to extend GHK-Cu bioavailability (addressing susceptibility to carboxypeptidase breakdown). Provides updated mechanistic overview of copper-dependent enzymatic activation. Med Sci 2025;22:4175. PMC12595317.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Activated by GHK-Cu Increase Skin Collagen Density — Clinical Trial
Randomized double-blind clinical trial of GHK-Cu in nano-lipid carrier applied twice daily for 8 weeks. GHK-Cu produced 31.6% reduction in wrinkle volume versus Matrixyl® 3000 and 55.8% wrinkle volume reduction versus carrier control. Wrinkle depth reduced 32.8% versus control. Skin biopsy immunohistochemistry confirmed increased collagen density — histological confirmation of ECM remodeling. Study authors attribute effects to epigenetic activation of collagen synthesis gene networks. EurekAlert press release May 2023; Pickart & Margolina PMC6073405 context.
Indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals. Independent published research — not Trident Labs claims. GHK-Cu is supplied for in vitro research use only. Not for human consumption. For lawful in vitro laboratory research use only by qualified researchers.
Cited Sources
References
All scientific claims sourced from peer-reviewed literature.
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration
Effects of Copper Tripeptide on Growth and Expression of Growth Factors by Normal and Irradiated Fibroblasts
Modulation of Gene Expression in Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells by the Human Copper-Binding Peptide GHK-Cu
Exploring the Role of Tripeptides in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review
Epigenetic Mechanisms Activated by GHK-Cu Increase Skin Collagen Density in Clinical Trial
Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this product and your order.
