GHK-Cu
- Formula
- C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄
- MW
- 403.91 g/mol
- CAS
- 89030-95-5
- Form
- Blue Lyophilized Powder
- Solubility
- Water Soluble
- Storage
- 2–8°C, Light Protected
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine complexed with a copper(II) ion. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄ with a molecular weight of 403.91 g/mol and CAS No. 89030-95-5.
Originally identified during plasma peptide research conducted by Loren Pickart in 1973, GHK-Cu is naturally present in trace amounts within human plasma, saliva, and urine. The compound is classified as a metallopeptide due to its incorporation of a coordinated metal ion within the peptide structure.
The copper ion is coordinated through a square planar complex involving the glycine amino terminus, the histidine imidazole nitrogen, and the histidine amide nitrogen — contributing to the compound's characteristic blue appearance in crystalline form.