Scientific Glossary

Collagen is a triple-helix protein made from collagen alpha chains rich in glycine-proline-hydroxyproline repeats. Over 28 types exist (Type I dominant in skin/bone, Type II in cartilage, Type III in blood vessels). GHK-Cu (copper peptide) is among the most studied research compounds for its ability to upregulate collagen and elastin gene expression. Vitamin C is essential for collagen hydroxylation — deficiency causes scurvy. Research into peptides for collagen synthesis is active in wound care, dermatology, and musculoskeletal medicine.

The ECM provides structural support, mediates cell signaling, and controls cell behavior. Key components: fibrous proteins (collagen, elastin), adhesive glycoproteins (fibronectin, laminin), and proteoglycans (hyaluronic acid, aggrecan). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remodel the ECM during wound healing — BPC-157 and TB-500 both modulate MMP activity. ECM disruption underlies fibrosis, aging-related tissue stiffness, and impaired wound healing. Research peptides for ECM modulation are studied across dermatology, orthopedics, and cardiology.

Fibroblasts are the workhorses of tissue repair. When injury occurs, resident fibroblasts activate and proliferate, producing collagen and other matrix proteins to fill the wound. Myofibroblasts (activated fibroblasts) also contract wounds. GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 all show evidence of modulating fibroblast activity in research. Excessive fibroblast activation leads to fibrosis (scar tissue). Balanced fibroblast regulation is the goal of tissue repair research — healing without excessive scarring.