GHK-Cu
Copper(II)-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys). Studied as a copper shuttle and in extracellular-matrix remodelling and fibroblast-signalling models.
For laboratory research use only. Material is supplied as a research reference standard and is not approved by Health Canada. Protocols below are compiled from published literature and supplier documentation; they are reference information, not medical advice. Anyone with a health condition or on medication should speak to a physician first.
Before you begin
- • Lot-matched certificate and laboratory notebook
- • Calibrated pipettes, low-binding tubes and suitable PPE
- • Validated solvent, assay reagents and model-specific SOP
- • Appropriate positive, negative and vehicle controls
Required controls
- Vehicle-only negative control
- Copper-matched control where relevant
- Validated matrix-remodelling control
- Parallel viability assay
Reported protocol
- Injectable
- 1.0 mg to 2.0 mg daily, in 30 to 60 day cycles
- Topical
- 1% to 2% solution applied daily to target skin or scalp areas
- Route
- Subcutaneous, or topical solution
Diluent
Sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi-withdrawal stock, or sterile water for injection where a preservative-free stock is required by the assay.
Compound-specific: The reconstituted solution is deep blue. That colour is the copper complex and is expected, not a contamination signal. It does, however, interfere with any absorbance-based readout in the visible range.
Reconstitution concentrations
Solvent volume sets the stock concentration. Lower volume gives a more concentrated stock and smaller working aliquots; higher volume gives a more dilute stock that is easier to measure accurately.
| Solvent added | Stock concentration | Per 0.1 mL | Per unit (U-100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | 25 mg/mL | 2.5 mg | 250 mcg |
| 3 mL | 16.67 mg/mL | 1.67 mg | 166.67 mcg |
| 5 mL | 10 mg/mL | 1 mg | 100 mcg |