Regenerative MedicinePeer Reviewed

Copper Complexes with New Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine-Hyaluronan Conjugates Show Antioxidant Properties and Osteogenic and Angiogenic Synergistic Effects.

Authors (7)
Valentina GrecoDepartment of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
Valeria LanzaInstitute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
Barbara TomaselloDepartment of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
Irina NaletovaInstitute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy.
Bioconjugate chemistry
Unknown
Published
Oct 13, 2025
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Abstract

In recent years, hyaluronic acid (HA) and the natural tripeptide glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine (GHK), especially its copper(II) complex (GHK-Cu), individually have been shown to exert helpful properties for bone protection and regeneration. However, they are not strong enough to handle oxidative stress, hydrolytic attack, or environmental conditions. Being aware that conjugation chemistry has recently emerged as an appealing approach for generating new molecular entities capable of preserving the molecular integrity of their moieties or delaying their degradation, herein we present the synthesis of conjugates of HA with GHK (GHK-HA), at different loadings of the tripeptide. GHK-HA binds copper(II) ions and potentiates the chemical and biological properties of the two components in in vitro assays. The results highlight copper's role in promoting the expression and release of certain trophic, angiogenic, and osteogenic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The protective and regenerative activities of the metal ion are related to the translocation of its intracellular chaperones Copper Chaperone for Superoxide Dismutase (CCS) and Antioxidant-1 (Atox1) to the nucleus where they act as transcription factors.

Keywords

CopperHyaluronic AcidOsteogenesisAntioxidantsHumansOligopeptidesNeovascularization, PhysiologicCoordination Complexes

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