Wound Healing Research Peptides
Overview
13 research peptides demonstrate wound healing properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.
TB-500
Preclinical | Healing & Recovery
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide found throughout human tissues.
Mechanism: TB-500 works primarily through actin sequestration — it binds to G-actin monomers, preventing premature polymerization, which allows repair cells to migrate rapidly to injured areas.
GHK-Cu
No Regulatory Activity | Skin & Tissue Repair
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First discovered by Dr.
Mechanism: GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions via its histidine residue and delivers bioavailable copper directly to cells, preventing free copper oxidative damage.
LL-37
Preclinical | Antimicrobial / Immune
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino-acid cationic peptide (sequence: LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES) with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi,...
Mechanism: LL-37 (C120H232N42O38) carries a net positive charge (+6) that binds negatively charged bacterial membranes, creating transmembrane pores causing cell lysis. It also has anti-biofilm activity.
Thymosin Beta-4
Phase III / NDA Filed | Healing & Recovery
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a naturally occurring 43-amino acid protein found in virtually all human and animal cells. It is the most abundant member of the beta-thymosin family and plays fundamental roles in cell migration, wound healing, and tissue...
Mechanism: Thymosin beta-4 is the primary intracellular G-actin sequestering protein, maintaining actin monomer pools and regulating cytoskeletal dynamics essential for cell migration.
Copper Tripeptide-1
No Regulatory Activity | Cosmetic Peptide
Copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. Note: This entry focuses on the cosmetic/dermatological use of GHK-Cu.
Mechanism: GHK-Cu delivers copper ions to skin cells while the GHK peptide acts as a signaling molecule. Copper is a cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant...
Oligopeptide-1 / EGF
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Growth Factor / Cosmetic
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a 53-amino acid protein discovered by Stanley Cohen, who shared the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this work. EGF plays a fundamental role in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
Mechanism: EGF binds to the EGF receptor (EGFR/ErbB1), a receptor tyrosine kinase, activating the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling cascades.
Sh-Polypeptide-1
No Regulatory Activity | Cosmetic Peptide
Sh-polypeptide-1 is the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) designation for recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) produced by bioengineering (typically in E. coli or yeast expression systems).
Mechanism: Sh-polypeptide-1 is biologically identical to native human EGF and binds the same EGFR receptor, activating MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling to promote keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation,...
Histatin-5
Basic Science / Endogenous Reference | Antimicrobial / Immune
Histatin-5 is a 24-amino-acid histidine-rich cationic peptide (sequence: DSHAKRHHGYKRKFHEKHHSHRGY, MW ~3036 g/mol) found in human saliva.
Mechanism: Histatin-5 kills Candida albicans through a non-lytic, energy-dependent mechanism. The peptide binds to the fungal cell wall protein Ssa1/2 (a heat shock protein), is internalized via polyamine...
AHK (Ala-His-Lys)
Preclinical Only | Cosmetic / Research
AHK (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is a tripeptide related to GHK that shares copper-binding properties. It has been studied for its ability to stimulate hair follicle growth and promote wound healing through collagen synthesis and growth factor...
Mechanism: AHK chelates copper ions similarly to GHK. It stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation via Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation, promotes collagen synthesis, and enhances growth factor signaling...
AHK-Cu (Copper AHK)
Preclinical Only | Cosmetic / Research
AHK-Cu is the copper-complexed form of the AHK tripeptide. The addition of copper enhances its biological activity, particularly in stimulating dermal papilla cells for hair growth and wound healing applications.
Mechanism: Copper-dependent enzyme activation enhances dermal papilla cell stimulation. The copper complex promotes angiogenesis and ECM remodeling, with enhanced bioactivity compared to the non-copper form.
GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)
Early Human / Mixed Evidence | Regenerative / Research
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. It declines significantly with age. Even without copper complexation, GHK demonstrates gene-regulatory activity affecting over 4,000 genes related to tissue repair, immune...
Mechanism: GHK modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes. It promotes collagen and decorin synthesis, regulates anti-inflammatory cytokines, and attracts stem cells to injury sites.
Rigin (Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7)
Limited Evidence | Cosmetic
Rigin reduces IL-6 secretion by keratinocytes after UVB exposure, helping reduce chronic low-grade inflammation in aging skin (inflammaging). It is a key component of the Matrixyl 3000 complex alongside Palmitoyl Oligopeptide.
Mechanism: Inhibits IL-6 secretion from UVB-exposed keratinocytes. Modulates complement system activity and dampens chronic inflammatory signaling associated with skin aging.
TB-500 Fragment 17-23
Preclinical Only | Healing / Research
TB-500 Fragment 17-23 (sequence: LKKTETQ) represents the minimal actin-binding domain of Thymosin Beta-4. This 7-amino-acid fragment retains the ability to sequester G-actin and promote cell migration and wound healing.
Mechanism: Sequesters G-actin monomers, promoting actin polymerization and cytoskeletal reorganization. This drives cell migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing at the cellular level.
Related Products
Related Research News
TB-500: Thymosin Beta-4's Role in Healing and Repair
TB-500, known as thymosin β4, is a 43-amino-acid peptide first isolated from calf thymus in 1966 by Goldstein et al. It regulates actin in the body, supporting processes like wound healing, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. Research highlights its potential in treating conditions such as myocardial infarction, corneal injuries, and lung damage.
BPC-157 + TB-500 Peptide Blend: Research on Healing and Repair
The BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend draws attention in research for potential synergy in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and reducing inflammation. BPC-157, a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide, interacts with growth factors in preclinical models. TB-500, a 43-amino-acid analog of Thymosin Beta-4, supports cell migration and regeneration. Studies explore their roles in wound healing, tendon recovery, and more.
GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide in Tissue Repair and Skin Research
GHK-Cu, or glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex, stands out as a naturally occurring peptide central to human tissue maintenance and repair. Found in plasma, saliva, urine, and skin, its levels drop from about 200 ng/mL in young adults with age, linking to reduced regeneration. Preclinical studies highlight its roles in collagen production, wound healing, angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and more, with the copper complex showing greater potency than unbound GHK.