GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) found in human plasma and tissue fluids. It has been studied extensively for its roles in wound healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and gene expression regulation, with over 1,000 identified downstream gene effects.

GHK-Cu activates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates MMP activity to remodel extracellular matrix, and upregulates antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase. It promotes wound healing by activating fibroblast proliferation and migration. The copper ion plays a key role in enzyme cofactor activity for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking) and cytochrome c oxidase. GHK-Cu also modulates gene expression across hundreds of pathways involved in inflammation, DNA repair, and tissue remodeling.

Research includes collagen synthesis and ECM remodeling, wound healing acceleration, anti-aging skin biology, hair follicle activation, antioxidant defense studies, neurotrophin production, anti-inflammatory signaling, and broad gene expression profiling.