GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a short peptide first isolated from human plasma that binds copper with high affinity.
- TypePeptide-copper(II) complex
- Formula (peptide)C14H24N6O4
- Average mass340.38 g/mol
- Vesta listings4
Reference page for laboratory use · updated 2026-10-30
Overview
GHK-Cu at a glance
GHK on its own is a naturally occurring tripeptide, and its copper complex is the form most often studied. The literature covers its coordination chemistry, including crystallographic and computational studies of how GHK binds copper(II), as well as its use in skin biology research.
Vesta lists GHK-Cu as a research material. The identity numbers on this page describe the GHK peptide component, because PubChem lists the copper complex only as a charged ion.
Structure
GHK is Gly-His-Lys. In the complex, copper(II) is bound by the imidazole of histidine, the N-terminal amine and backbone nitrogens, normally in a 1:1 ratio. Solutions of copper-peptide complexes are typically blue.
Identity
Identity data
| Name | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Also written as | Copper tripeptide-1, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper |
| Type | Peptide-copper(II) complex |
| Research area | Copper peptides |
| Molecular formula (GHK peptide) | C14H24N6O4 |
| Monoisotopic mass | 340.1859 Da |
| Average molecular weight | 340.38 g/mol |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys |
| PubChem record | CID 139035031 |
| PubChem record (peptide component) | CID 73587 |
The numbers describe the peptide component, calculated from its sequence and matched to its PubChem record. The copper content and the salt form change the molecular weight of the supplied material. Reference data retrieved on 2026-10-30. Compare these values with the batch certificate of analysis, using the compound identity file template.
Expected values
Mass spectrometry reference
Ions calculated from the monoisotopic mass 340.1859 Da of the GHK peptide. Use them to check an LC-MS result; for larger peptides the instrument usually reports a deconvoluted mass close to 340.4 Da instead.
| Ion | m/z |
|---|---|
| [M+H]+ | 341.1932 |
| [M+Na]+ | 363.1751 |
| [M+K]+ | 379.1491 |
Read the guide to average and monoisotopic mass for how these values are calculated. Copper has two stable isotopes (63Cu and 65Cu), so spectra of the complex show a doublet pattern.
Quality
Analytical notes for batch documents
- The copper content and the form (free acid, acetate or hydrochloride) change the molecular weight on a COA, so ask for the copper assay in addition to the HPLC purity.
- Copper has two stable isotopes, 63Cu and 65Cu, so mass spectra of the complex show a doublet pattern.
- The molecular weight of a vial of powder includes counter-ions and water; the share of the powder that is peptide is the net peptide content.
Terms used on this page: Peptide, Peptide purity.
Vesta listings
GHK-Cu formats and prices
Research blends that contain GHK-Cu
| Product | Per vial | SKU | Price per kit | Price per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLOW | 70 mg | Glow70 | $208.96 | $20.90 |
| Klow | 80 mg | Klow80 | $253.73 | $25.37 |
Prices are per kit of 10 vials in US dollars. Shipping is paid by the customer and is shown in the cart. Volume savings of 5 %, 8 % and 10 % apply from $350.00, $600.00 and $1,000.00. See the full price list.
Published literature
Selected scientific literature
Bibliographic details were read from PubMed on 2026-10-30. The papers are listed for scientific reference; Vesta makes no claim about the use of its research materials in people or animals.
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene DataPickart L, Margolina A · Int J Mol Sci · 2018 · PMID 29986520
- The copper(II)-binding tripeptide GHK, a valuable crystallization and phasing tag for macromolecular crystallographyMehr A, Henneberg F, Chari A et al. · Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol · 2020 · PMID 33263328
- Theoretical study of copper binding to GHK peptideAlshammari N, Platts JA · Comput Biol Chem · 2020 · PMID 32371360
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a short peptide first isolated from human plasma that binds copper with high affinity.
What is the molecular weight of GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (peptide component GHK) has the formula C14H24N6O4, an average molecular weight of 340.38 g/mol and a monoisotopic mass of 340.1859 Da. A salt form, a different counter-ion or a metal complex changes the molecular weight printed on a certificate of analysis, so compare like with like.
How can I check the identity of a batch of GHK-Cu?
Compare the intact mass measured by LC-MS with the expected values on this page, for example [M+Na]+ at m/z 363.1751. Confirm that one main HPLC peak carries that mass and that the batch code on the report matches the vial. The guides on mass spectrometry and on certificates of analysis explain each step.
Which GHK-Cu products does Vesta list?
Vesta lists 4 products for GHK-Cu: 50 mg, 100 mg per vial in kits of 10 vials, plus 2 research blends that contain it. Prices are shown per kit in US dollars, and shipping is paid by the customer.