GHK-Cu 50mg

Description

GHK-Cu – Advanced Biochemical Mechanism & Pathway Profile

(Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine–Copper Complex)

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide–copper(II) complex studied for its role in metal-ion transport, extracellular matrix regulation, and transcriptional signaling. The copper-bound form is considered the biologically active conformation and is known to interact with cell-surface glycosaminoglycans, integrins, and matrix-associated enzymes.

✅ Primary Biochemical Functions (Research Models)

1. Metal-Ion Transport & Copper Homeostasis

GHK exhibits strong affinity for Cu²⁺, forming a stable complex that participates in:

• Copper delivery to enzymatic systems

• Redox-related protein activation

• Metalloprotease and antioxidant enzyme regulation

Enzymes commonly studied:

• Lysyl oxidase (LOX)

• Superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD)

• Cytochrome-c oxidase components

2. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) & Protease Modulation

Research models show that GHK-Cu can influence matrix remodeling through:

• Upregulation of integrin signaling

• Modulation of matrix metalloproteinases (e.g., MMP-2, MMP-9)

• Increased expression of TIMP1 / TIMP2 (tissue inhibitors of MMPs)

Gene programs of interest:

• COL1A1 (collagen type I)

• COL3A1 (collagen type III)

• ELN (elastin)

• FN1 (fibronectin)

These targets are frequently monitored in wound-healing and tissue-remodeling studies.

3. TGF-β / SMAD Pathway Interactions

Preclinical data indicate possible activity in:

• TGF-β receptor signaling

• SMAD2/3 phosphorylation

• ECM-associated gene transcription

This connects GHK-Cu to matrix production, cell migration, and fibroblast gene regulation.

4. Anti-Protease & Anti-Oxidant Gene Expression

GHK-Cu has been linked to transcriptional signatures involving:

• Antioxidant response elements (ARE)

• Nrf2-regulated genes

• Decreased expression of inflammatory proteases

Genes studied in vitro:

• SOD1 (Cu/Zn-SOD)

• HMOX1 (heme oxygenase-1)

• GPX1 (glutathione peroxidase)

5. Cytokine & Cell-Signaling Modulation

In cellular models, GHK-Cu exposure has been associated with:

• Reduced NF-κB nuclear activity

• Lower transcription of IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2

• Effects on JNK and p38 MAPK pathways

These outputs are studied in inflammation and oxidative-stress assays.

✅ Receptor & Binding Activity

GHK-Cu does not use a single canonical receptor, but interacts with:

• Integrin family proteins (α2β1, α5β1)

• Heparan sulfate proteoglycans

• Albumin and ECM-binding domains

These interactions allow copper-dependent signaling and selective uptake into target cells.

✅ Key Molecular Targets (Summary Table)

✅ Research Applications (In-Vitro / Preclinical Only)

GHK-Cu is studied for:

• Metal transport and copper enzymology

• ECM synthesis and protease inhibition

• Redox and antioxidant gene expression

• Fibroblast and keratinocyte signaling

• Inflammation-related transcriptional shifts

Research-Only Classification

GHK-Cu is provided strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not approved for human or animal use or therapeutic application.