TFLL Pharma · Molecule 03
GHK-Cu
Copper Tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) — Genome-Reset Signal
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys), an endogenous human plasma peptide and copper carrier whose circulating level declines with age. It is studied as a chromatin-level regulator of gene expression, extracellular-matrix remodeling, and copper-dependent enzymatic signaling. This product is supplied as a lyophilized research-grade peptide for in vitro and preclinical laboratory investigation only.
Identity
| Names |
GHK-Cu · glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine : copper(II) |
| Sequence |
Gly-His-Lys + Cu2+ (GHK-Cu) |
| Length |
3 amino acids (tripeptide) + Cu2+
|
| Molecular formula |
C14H24N6O4Cu · C2H4O2 (copper–acetate complex) |
| Molecular weight |
GHK 340.5 Da (tripeptide) |
| Origin |
Endogenous human plasma peptide; copper(II) carrier |
| Age profile |
Plasma ~200 ng/mL (age 20) → ~80 ng/mL (age 60) |
| Discovery |
Pickart — described 1973; copper-uptake mechanism, Nature 1980 |
Research axes
Investigational directions enabled by the published mechanism — not therapeutic claims.
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◆Wound-healing and tissue-repair models: collagen, elastin and GAG synthesis
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◆Anti-inflammatory / antioxidant signaling: NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 suppression; SOD/Nrf2
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◆Extracellular-matrix remodeling: fibroblast activity and MMP/TIMP rebalancing
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◆Chromatin-level gene-expression (genome reset) and hair-follicle Wnt/β-catenin research
Mechanism at a glance
In published models, GHK-Cu modulates expression of roughly 4,000 human genes (about 31.2% of assayed genes), shifting the profile toward healthy tissue patterns. Copper(II) delivery activates lysyl oxidase for collagen cross-linking, while collagen, elastin and GAG synthesis rise and MMP/TIMP balance is restored. NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 signaling is suppressed alongside an increased SOD/Nrf2 antioxidant program.
Key literature: Pickart, 1973 / 2008 · Maquart, 1993 · Pickart & Margolina, 2012 / 2018 · Feinberg, 2018.
Regulatory status
| Intended use |
Research use only — not approved as a drug |
| Cosmetic context |
Widely used as a cosmetic ingredient (not a claim) |
| WADA |
Not individually named on the Prohibited List |
| Human data |
IRB dermatology studies; no large RCT |
Handling & Storage
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◆Packaging: 5 × 20 mg lyophilized powder, sterile glass vials
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◆Storage: Store at 2–8 °C (refrigerated)
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◆Solubility: Dissolves readily in bacteriostatic water
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◆Reconstitution: Use shortly after preparation for stability
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◆Purity: HPLC-verified ≥ 98% · batch CoA
Research Quality & Scientific Integrity
◆ Purity
HPLC-verified ≥ 98% with batch CoA |
◆ Evidence
Peer-reviewed citations for all mechanistic claims |
◆ Transparency
Evidence limitations stated per molecule |
◆ Safety
Research use only — not for human or animal consumption |
For Research Use Only. This product is strictly intended for laboratory and research use only. Not suitable for human or animal consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. All use must comply with local regulations and ethical research standards.
TFLL Pharma · TFLL BV · Belgium · Life Span · Health Span · Brain Span · www.tfllpharma.com
