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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:19
Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates
Published on: April 22, 2019
Copper-GHK increases integrin expression and p63 positivity by keratinocytes
Youn-A Kang1, Hye-Ryung Choi, Jung-Im Na
1Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|March 26, 2009
Summary
Copper-Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysyl (copper-GHK) enhances skin cell proliferation and basal stem cell survival. This peptide complex may improve wound healing by modulating key skin markers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Copper-Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysyl (copper-GHK) is known to aid wound healing by stimulating fibroblast collagen synthesis.
- The specific effects of copper-GHK on keratinocytes, the primary cells of the epidermis, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of copper-GHK on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
- To evaluate copper-GHK's effects on skin equivalent (SE) models, focusing on basal cell morphology and stem cell markers.
Main Methods:
- Monolayer keratinocyte cultures were used to assess proliferation.
- Skin equivalent (SE) models underwent hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.
- Western blotting was employed to analyze protein expression, including integrins, p63, and PCNA.
Main Results:
- Copper-GHK significantly increased keratinocyte proliferation in monolayer cultures.
- In SE models, copper-GHK induced cuboidal changes in basal cells and increased positivity for PCNA and p63.
- Expression of integrin alpha6 and beta1 was upregulated in SE models treated with copper-GHK, confirmed by Western blotting.
Conclusions:
- Copper-GHK enhances the proliferative potential of basal keratinocytes.
- The peptide complex may promote basal stem cell survival, indicated by increased p63 expression.
- Copper-GHK modulates integrin expression, suggesting a role in keratinocyte behavior and skin regeneration.
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