The short version of glycyl-histidyl-lysine fits in a sentence. The long version — which is the one that helps — is below.
This page was last updated on 2026-05-11 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
The copper-binding activity of this sequence was described in the 1970s during studies of liver tissue and plasma factors. Early work identified the peptide as a component that influenced copper uptake by cells and that appeared in wound fluid. Later investigations examined its presence across species, reporting the same chain in human and animal samples. A decline in measured concentration with age became a recurring observation, although the underlying causes remain incompletely characterised.
Published studies describe the complex in several research contexts, including collagen synthesis, antioxidant behaviour, and wound repair models. Much of this work is conducted in cultured cells or in small animal systems, and the findings are frequently cited in reviews of copper peptides. Direct clinical evidence in humans is comparatively limited, and reported outcomes vary with formulation and study design. Whether free chain or metal-bound form was used is not always stated, a point that complicates comparison between reports.
GHK-Cu is a coordination complex formed between the peptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and a copper(II) ion. The unbound chain, abbreviated GHK, consists of three amino acids and occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Binding of the metal is mediated mainly by the imidazole nitrogen of the histidine residue together with backbone amides, producing a stable chelate. Ingredient nomenclature often lists the same substance as copper tripeptide-1. Its charge and solubility behaviour differ from those of the metal-free chain.
Mechanistic accounts focus on how the complex delivers copper and how the released peptide interacts with the extracellular matrix. Copper is an essential cofactor for lysyl oxidase and other enzymes involved in collagen and elastin cross-linking, and GHK is one of several peptides able to carry the metal. Reported effects include altered gene expression in fibroblasts and changes in matrix metalloproteinase activity, although many of these findings come from cell culture rather than whole organisms. The relative contribution of the peptide backbone, the copper ion, and downstream copper metabolism is not fully resolved.
GHK-Cu is a coordination complex formed between the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-lysine and a copper(II) ion. The peptide sequence is conventionally written as Gly-His-Lys, abbreviated GHK. Copper binds through the imidazole nitrogen of histidine, the alpha-amino group, and a deprotonated amide nitrogen, producing a square-planar geometry. The complex carries a net positive charge near physiological pH and is intensely blue in aqueous solution. The metal-free peptide is often written simply as GHK, while the copper-bound form is written GHK-Cu.
The compound was first isolated from human plasma by the biochemist Loren Pickart in 1973. Early work identified it as a factor that altered the behavior of cultured liver cells, and later studies linked it to connective tissue and wound-related processes. Reported plasma concentrations fall markedly between roughly age twenty and age sixty, a pattern that generated interest in copper peptide biology. Whether that decline has functional consequences remains an open question, because differences observed across age groups do not by themselves establish causation. Research interest later expanded into cosmetic and tissue-culture settings.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical class | Copper(II) peptide complex | Coordination compound rather than a simple salt |
| Peptide sequence | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine | Abbreviated GHK in most literature |
| Molecular formula | C14H22N6O4Cu | Reported for the 1:1 complex |
| Principal binding site | Histidine imidazole nitrogen | Backbone amides contribute additional coordination |
| Common synonym | Copper tripeptide-1 | Used in ingredient and product labelling |
Research interest in GHK-Cu centers on its ability to deliver copper and to influence cellular processes in laboratory models. In cell culture and animal studies, the complex has been linked to collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and expression of genes associated with tissue remodeling. These effects are not equivalent to proven clinical outcomes. The mechanisms proposed include copper transfer to cuproenzymes, modulation of growth factor signaling, and interactions with extracellular matrix components. How much of the observed activity depends on intact GHK-Cu versus free copper or free peptide is not fully resolved.
The compound entered scientific literature in the 1970s, when plasma factors with copper-binding activity were isolated and characterized. Later work expanded into wound healing, skin biology, and cosmetic formulation, where copper tripeptide-1 became a recognized ingredient name. Most published studies remain preclinical or small-scale, and findings are often reported in specialized dermatology or peptide journals. Regulatory treatment varies: some jurisdictions allow it as a cosmetic ingredient, while research-grade material is sold for laboratory use. Questions about optimal delivery, target tissues, and long-term effects continue to be investigated rather than settled.
GHK-Cu is a coordination complex formed between the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and copper(II). The peptide sequence consists of glycine, histidine, and lysine, and its imidazole and amino groups provide binding sites for the metal ion. In the complex, copper is held through nitrogen donors from the histidine side chain, the N-terminal amine, and deprotonated amide nitrogens. The resulting compound is intensely blue and water-soluble. It occurs naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine at low concentrations.
The peptide was first isolated from human albumin in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who later described its copper-binding behavior. Early work linked the complex to wound healing and tissue remodeling. Plasma levels of GHK decline with age, a pattern that stimulated interest in topical and supplemental applications. Researchers have reported that the tripeptide influences collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and inflammatory signaling in cell and animal models. Human clinical evidence remains limited and often relies on small studies.
Copper binds to the peptide through the histidine imidazole nitrogen and the terminal amino group, forming a stable square-planar complex. Binding constants reported for copper(II) with GHK are high, so the peptide competes effectively for copper in solution. The complex absorbs visible light, which gives solutions a blue to violet colour. Whether the metal-free peptide has a distinct biological function of its own is still an open question; some work treats it mainly as a copper delivery vehicle, while other work reports peptide-specific effects.
The compound was first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s by Loren Pickart, who later described copper-binding activity in liver and other tissues. Early reports focused on its presence in blood and its ability to carry copper between proteins. Commercial and cosmetic use of the term 'copper peptide' has since broadened, and labels rarely distinguish GHK-Cu from other copper-binding fragments. This naming overlap makes literature searching harder, because cosmetic ingredient lists, supplier catalogues and laboratory papers use different vocabularies for the same molecule.
GHK-Cu is the copper-binding complex formed by the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine and a copper(II) ion. The free peptide is usually written as GHK, and the complex is written as GHK-Cu or Cu-GHK. The sequence was identified in human plasma and later detected in saliva and urine. Its name comes from the single-letter codes of glycine, histidine and lysine. The complex is widely described as a naturally occurring carrier of copper in blood rather than as a free peptide with its own hormonal role.
==== Sexual dysfunction ==== There is some evidence that buspirone on its own may be useful in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. Buspirone may also be effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
==== Education ==== Duterte signed the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in August 2017, providing free college education in all state universities and colleges nationwide. He signed a law establishing transnational higher education in the country, allowing foreign universities to offer degree programs in the Philippines in an effort to bring international quality standards and expertise into the country. He also signed medical scholarships for deserving students in state universities and colleges or partner private higher education institutions through the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act on December 23, 2020. Duterte approved in January 2021 a law institutionalizing the alternative learning system (ALS), providing free education to those out of school. In March 2022, he enacted a law granting inclusive education for learners with disabilities. On June 9, 2020, Duterte signed a law establishing the country's first National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
=== Plagiarism === In June 2011, bloggers at Deterritorial Support Group, as well as Yahoo! Ireland editor Brian Whelan, discovered that Hari had plagiarised material published in other interviews and writings by his interview subjects. For example, a 2009 interview with Afghan women's rights activist Malalai Joya included quotations from her book Raising My Voice in a manner that made them appear as if spoken directly to Hari. A piece entitled "How Multiculturalism Is Betraying Women" which Hari submitted when entering the Orwell Prize was plagiarised from Der Spiegel. Hari initially denied any wrongdoing, stating that the unattributed quotes were for clarification and did not present someone else's thoughts as his own. However, he later said that his behaviour was "completely wrong" and that "when I interviewed people, I often presented things that had been said to other journalists or had been written in books as if they had been said to me, which was not truthful." Hari was suspended for two months from The Independent and in January 2012 it was announced that he was leaving the newspaper. The Media Standards Trust instructed the council of the Orwell Prize, who had given their 2008 prize to Hari, to examine the allegations. The council concluded that "the article contained inaccuracies and conflated different parts of someone else's story" and did not meet the standards of Orwell Prize-winning journalism. Hari returned the prize, though he did not return the prize money of £2,000.
It won two Academy Award-qualifying film festival awards and was nationally distributed by Conde Nast on the Them platform. In 2024, Hamer initiated a multimedia community engagement and storytelling effort on the "Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi." Funded by the Mellon Foundation, the project aims to document and memorialize gender and sexual diversity across the multicultural landscape of the Hawaiian islands. Hamer is a frequent guest on TV documentaries and news shows including Good Morning America, Nightline and The Oprah Winfrey Show. He is featured in the Barbara Walters' special Heaven and Bill Maher documentary Religulous, and has been profiled in Time magazine.
SAS: Are You Tough Enough? (2002–2004). SAS: Who Dares Wins – Quasi-military training television reality programme which pits contestants against harsh environments in a two-week-long training course designed to replicate Special Air Service selection. Ultimate Force – ITV action drama series following the operations of the fictitious "Red Troop" of the Special Air Service (2002–2008). SAS: Rogue Heroes – BBC historical drama series which depicts the formation of the Special Air Service during World War II (2022). Video games featuring the SAS
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== Structure == This gene encodes a member of the glutathione peroxidase family, consisting of eight known glutathione peroxidases (GPx1-8) in humans. Mammalian Gpx1 (this gene), Gpx2, Gpx3, and Gpx4 have been shown to be selenium-containing enzymes, whereas Gpx6 is a selenoprotein in humans with cysteine-containing homologues in rodents. In selenoproteins, the 21st amino acid selenocysteine is inserted in the nascent polypeptide chain during the process of translational recoding of the UGA stop codon. In addition to the UGA-codon, a cis-acting element in the mRNA, called SECIS, binds SBP2 to recruit other proteins, such as eukaryotic elongation factor selenocysteine-tRNA specific, to form the complex responsible for the recoding process. The protein encoded by this gene forms a homotetramer structure. As with other glutathione peroxidases, GPx1 has a conserved catalytic tetrad composed of Sec or Cys, Gln, Trp, and Asn, where the Sec is surrounded by four arginines (R 57, 103, 184, 185; bovine numbering) and a lysine of an adjacent subunit (K 91'). These 5 residues bind glutathione (GSH) and are only present in GPx1. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been found for this gene. Glutathione peroxidase 1 is characterized in a polyalanine sequence polymorphism in the N-terminal region, which includes three alleles with five, six or seven alanine (Ala) repeats in this sequence. The allele with five Ala repeats is significantly associated with breast cancer risk.
==== MeSH E05.337.550 – drug evaluation, preclinical ==== MeSH E05.337.550.200 – drug screening assays, antitumor MeSH E05.337.550.200.800 – tumor stem cell assay MeSH E05.337.550.200.900 – xenograft model antitumor assays MeSH E05.337.550.200.900.830 – subrenal capsule assay MeSH E05.337.550.400 – microbial sensitivity tests MeSH E05.337.550.400.800 – serum bactericidal test MeSH E05.337.550.600 – parasitic sensitivity tests
== Patents == Robert B. Cody and James A. Laramee, “Method for atmospheric pressure ionization” U.S. patent 6,949,741 issued September 27, 2005. (Priority date: April 2003). James A. Laramee and Robert B. Cody “Method for Atmospheric Pressure Analyte Ionization” U.S. patent 7,112,785 issued September 26, 2006.
The CureVac COVID-19 vaccine (abbreviated CVnCoV) was a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by CureVac N.V. and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The vaccine showed inadequate results in its Phase III trials with only 47% efficacy. In October 2021 CureVac abandoned further development and production plans for CVnCoV and refocused efforts on a cooperation with GlaxoSmithKline.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Tajima Beef: Tajima beef is beef from the Tajima region of Hyōgo Prefecture, and has a history of about 1,200 years. Kobe Beef: Kobe Beef is a brand given to the highest quality beef from Hyōgo Prefecture's Tajima cattle and has a history of about 170 years. Special Matsusaka Beef: Special Matsuzaka Beef (Tokusan Matsusaka Ushi) is a brand given to the highest quality virgin female beef from the Matsuzaka region of Mie Prefecture. The Matsusaka beef brand has a history of about 100 years. Yonezawa Beef: Yonezawa Beef (Yonezawa Gyu) is beef from virgin Japanese black female cattle in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture and has a history of about 150 years. Maesawa Beef: Maesawa Beef is a brand given to the highest quality beef from the Maesawa area of Iwate Prefecture, and has a history of about 70 years. Miyazaki Beef: Miyazaki Beef is a brand of wagyu beef from Miyazaki Prefecture, and has often won the Wagyu Olympics in recent years. Ōmi Beef: Ōmi Beef is a wagyu beef brand from Shiga Prefecture with a history of about 400 years. Kagoshima Black Beef: Kagoshima Black Beef (Kagoshima Kuroushi) is a wagyu beef brand from Kagoshima Prefecture that won the recent Wagyu Olympics. Kumamoto Red Beef: Kumamoto Red Beef (Kuamoto Akaushi) is a wagyu beef from Kumamoto Prefecture, characterized by its lean meat. Hiba Beef: Hiba Beef is a brand of Japanese black cattle from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, with a history dating back to the Edo period. Hida Beef: Hida Beef is a Japanese beef from Gifu Prefecture and has a history of about 100 years.
== History == In 1905, Paul Carnot proposed the idea that a hormone regulates the production of red blood cells. After conducting experiments on rabbits subject to bloodletting, Carnot and his graduate student Clotilde-Camille Deflandre attributed an increase in red blood cells in rabbit subjects to a hemotropic factor called hemopoietin. Eva Bonsdorff and Eeva Jalavisto called the hemopoietic substance 'erythropoietin'. K.R. Reissman and Allan J. Erslev demonstrated that a certain substance, circulated in the blood, is able to stimulate red blood cell production and increase hematocrit. This substance was purified and confirmed as erythropoietin. In 1977, Goldwasser and Kung purified EPO. Pure EPO allowed the amino acid sequence to be partially identified and the gene to be isolated. Synthetic EPO was first successfully used to correct anemia in 1987. In 1985, Lin et al isolated the human erythropoietin gene from a genomic phage library and used it to produce EPO. In 1989, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the hormone Epogen for use in certain anemias. Gregg L. Semenza and Peter J. Ratcliffe studied the EPO gene and its oxygen-dependent regulation. Along with William Kaelin Jr., they were awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates the EPO gene, as well as other genes, in response to hypoxia.
=== Off-label drugs === α2-Adrenergic receptor antagonists (e.g., yohimbine, rauwolscine (found in yohimbe)) – erectile dysfunction, low sexual desire Androgens/anabolic steroids (androgen receptor agonists) (e.g., testosterone, testosterone esters, methyltestosterone) – low sexual desire Antiandrogens (e.g., GnRH modulators, high-dose estrogen therapy, high-dose progestogen therapy) – various mechanisms of action – paraphilias, hypersexuality, sexual deviance Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) – dopamine receptor antagonists, other actions – paraphilias, hypersexuality, sexual deviance Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) – norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), other actions – low sexual desire Buspirone (Buspar) – serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist, other actions – low sexual desire Clomipramine (Anafranil) – tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), other actions – premature ejaculation Cyproheptadine (Periactin) – non-selective serotonin receptor antagonist, other actions – anorgasmia, low sexual desire/decreased libido Estrogens (e.g., estradiol, estradiol esters, ethinylestradiol) – estrogens (estrogen receptor agonists) – atrophic vaginitis, dyspareunia, vulvodynia, low sexual desire Horny goat weed (Epimedii herba) – unknown mechanism of action – low sexual desire Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram) – premature ejaculation, paraphilias, hypersexuality, sexual deviance Selegiline (L-deprenyl; Eldepryl, Zelapar, Emsam) – monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, other actions – low sexual desire Tramadol (Tramal) – μ-opioid receptor agonist, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), other actions – premature ejaculation Trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro) – serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), various actions – erectile dysfunction, low sexual desire
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
GHK denotes the unbound chain of three amino acids. GHK-Cu describes the form in which a copper(II) ion is held by that chain. The two are not interchangeable in solution, since charge, molecular weight, and reactivity differ.
The chain occurs in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Measured amounts are reported to fall with age. Copper binding by the sequence is treated as part of normal metal handling in tissue.
The bound copper(II) centre contributes to redox behaviour and to stability under physiological conditions. Free copper ions can participate in reactions that generate reactive species, while chelated metal is generally more controlled. The chain may also serve as a carrier for copper in experimental systems.
It is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-lysine, a sequence of three amino acids. The copper ion is held by the histidine imidazole, the terminal amino group, and an amide nitrogen. The bound form is distinct from the free peptide in charge, color, and stability.