𧬠Pharmacological Profile
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring, copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma. It possesses a uniquely high binding affinity for copper ions (Cu2+), forming complex coordinate structures that facilitate cellular copper uptake across biological membranes.
At a genetic and transcriptional level, GHK-Cu serves as a master regulator of tissue regeneration. It modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, aggressively upregulating metalloproteinases to clear damaged, cross-linked extracellular matrix proteins, while triggering fibroblasts to mass-produce structured, un-crosslinked Type I and Type III collagen, along with elastin and glycosaminoglycans.
Furthermore, GHK-Cu regulates structural scarring by inducing decorin expression, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan that binds to and inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta), preventing aberrant fibrotic scar configurations in injured dermal zones.