The paper that moved GHK-Cu from a plasma curiosity to a matrix molecule

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
François-Xavier Maquart and colleagues in Reims, with Loren Pickart, reported in FEBS Letters in 1988 that adding GHK-Cu to cultured human dermal fibroblasts increased collagen synthesis, measured by incorporation of labelled proline into collagenase-digestible protein, with the effect appearing at nanomolar concentrations and following a bell-shaped curve. The peptide without copper and copper without the peptide did not reproduce it. The paper established the compound as an agent acting on the extracellular matrix and began the Reims series of studies that make up much of the matrix literature on GHK-Cu.

What was done

Confluent fibroblast cultures were exposed to the complex over a range of concentrations and collagen production was quantified by labelled proline incorporation, separated from total protein synthesis by digestion with bacterial collagenase. The bell-shaped response — rising to a maximum at low nanomolar concentration and falling at higher — is a recurring feature of GHK-Cu culture work and complicates comparison between studies.

The complex, not the components, was active, which is the first evidence for the copper-plus-peptide requirement.

What it started

The Reims group went on to measure glycosaminoglycan synthesis, matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, and wound-chamber deposition in rats, each extending the matrix picture. Later groups added elastin, decorin and other matrix components. The cosmetic use of the compound rests on this body of culture and animal work.

The Pickart laboratory meanwhile pursued the copper-carrier and gene-expression lines.

Why it is here

Because it is the founding paper of the matrix literature and its design — culture, nanomolar, bell-shaped — defines how to read everything after it. It describes a study and no use of the pack.

GHK-Cu is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
GHK-Cu Pack50 mgAED 425In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

What was done?

Confluent fibroblast cultures were exposed to the complex over a range of concentrations and collagen production was quantified by labelled proline incorporation, separated from total protein synthesis by digestion with bacterial collagenase. The bell-shaped response — rising to a maximum at low nanomolar concentration and falling at higher — is a recurring feature of GHK-Cu culture work and complicates comparison between studies.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

GHK-Cu Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.