GHK vs PNC-27
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- PNC-27 is a synthetic peptide derived from the p53 tumor suppressor protein, containing both an HDM2-binding domain and a transmembrane penetratin sequence. It selectively kills cancer cells by binding MDM2/HDM2 overexpressed on the plasma membrane of malignant cells, inducing membranolysis without harming normal cells.
- Half-Life
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Not well established; estimated minutes to hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Intravenous (research), Intraperitoneal (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–500 mcg
- Not established for humans; research doses vary by cell line and model
- Frequency
- Daily or 5x per week
- Not established for human use
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- Selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells overexpressing HDM2/MDM2
- Spares normal cells lacking surface HDM2 expression
- Membranolytic mechanism bypasses intracellular resistance pathways
- Demonstrated activity against breast, pancreatic, leukemia, and melanoma cell lines
- Potential for combination with conventional chemotherapy
- Novel non-genotoxic anticancer mechanism
- Side Effects
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Limited human clinical data; largely in vitro and animal studies
- Potential immunogenic reactions (foreign peptide)
- Systemic toxicity at high doses not well characterized
- Unknown interactions with current chemotherapy agents
- Stacks With
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