GHK vs MOTS-c

Cosmetic

Metabolic

Research Only

Research Only

GHK is a high-affinity ligand for copper(II), forming the GHK-Cu complex that mediates most of its documented biology. Via the copper-bound form, GHK is proposed to modulate expression of a large number of human genes (microarray and Broad Institute Connectivity Map analyses from Pickart's group), including pathways related to extracellular matrix remodeling, antioxidant response element induction, angiogenesis, and DNA repair. Reported in vitro and preclinical effects include stimulation of fibroblast collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and acceleration of wound healing. The bare (non-copper) peptide is typically weaker than GHK-Cu in these assays and is generally assumed to acquire copper in serum-containing environments.

MOTS-c acts primarily in skeletal muscle, where it activates AMPK — in part via inhibition of the folate cycle and de novo purine biosynthesis leading to AICAR accumulation — increasing glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Interaction with the folliculin–FNIP complex has been proposed. An endocrine role is also reported, with serum MOTS-c levels declining with age, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

50–200 ppm topical (~0.005–0.02%)

10 mg

Topical

SubQ