GHK-Cu

Overview

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a sequence first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s and since then one of the most heavily referenced small peptides in the matrix biology literature. The peptide binds copper with high affinity, and it is that copper binding behaviour, rather than the peptide backbone on its own, that most published work concerns. Supplied lyophilised, the material presents as a distinctive blue to blue-violet cake, and the colour itself is a useful first indication that the complex has been formed and held.

Areas of research interest

The points below describe where this material, or the compound class it belongs to, appears in the published scientific literature. They are provided to help researchers scope a study design. They are not claims about what this product does and no outcome of any kind is represented.

• In vitro models of extracellular matrix turnover, including collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
• Copper coordination chemistry and copper transport studies
• Fibroblast and keratinocyte culture work examining matrix remodelling signalling
• Bench stage topical and cosmetic formulation research, including stability of the copper complex in different vehicles

Specifications

Handling, reconstitution and storage

• Store sealed vials at -20 °C, protected from light. Short excursions to 2 to 8 °C in transit are expected; return vials to frozen storage on receipt.
• Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or another diluent appropriate to your protocol. Add the diluent slowly against the inner wall of the vial and allow the cake to dissolve without agitation. Do not shake.
• After reconstitution, store at 2 to 8 °C and protect from light. Establish an in-use period from your own stability testing rather than from a supplier figure.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Aliquot where a protocol calls for multiple withdrawals from a single vial.
• Use aseptic technique and standard personal protective equipment throughout. Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.

Certificate of Analysis

Every lot is supplied with its own Certificate of Analysis. Identity, content and purity figures are those stated on that document for the specific lot supplied, and researchers should verify identity and suitability against their own analytical methods before the material is put into a study.

Research use only

This product is supplied strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic or dietary supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and it is not intended for human or veterinary consumption or for administration to humans or animals in any form. It must be handled only by qualified researchers in an appropriate laboratory setting, and it is the purchaser who is responsible for ensuring that their intended use complies with all laws and institutional requirements that apply to them.