Kisspeptin-10 is the C-terminal decapeptide fragment of the KISS1 gene product, sequence Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe with a C-terminal amide. Molecular weight approximately 1,302 Da.
The KISS1 gene produces a 145-residue precursor that is cleaved into several active fragments — kisspeptin-54, -14, -13 and -10 — all sharing the same C-terminal region and all acting at the same receptor. The 10-residue form is the shortest sequence retaining full receptor activity, which is why it is the fragment most often used in laboratory work.
Research context
Kisspeptin signalling sits upstream of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The published literature examines its action at KISS1R (also designated GPR54), a G protein-coupled receptor expressed on GnRH neurons, and the resulting regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion.
The upstream position is what makes it analytically distinctive. Much of the interest in the literature concerns the discovery that loss-of-function mutations in KISS1R produce hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans, which established the pathway as a required input to GnRH release rather than a modulatory one. Research models have since examined its role in the onset of puberty, in the pulsatile pattern of GnRH secretion, and in the feedback relationship with gonadal steroids.
Specification
CAS number and batch purity to be confirmed against the Certificate of Analysis supplied with your vial. Supplied as a white lyophilized powder at 5mg.
Handling
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, introducing the diluent slowly against the vial wall and swirling gently rather than shaking. Store lyophilized at −20°C protected from light; refrigerate at 2–8°C once reconstituted and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. Cross-check the batch ID printed on your vial against the CoA before use — see the guide to reading a CoA if you are unfamiliar with the format.
Frequently asked questions about Kisspeptin
What is the difference between kisspeptin-10 and kisspeptin-54?
Both derive from the same KISS1 precursor and both act at KISS1R. Kisspeptin-54 is the longer cleavage product; kisspeptin-10 is the minimal C-terminal sequence that retains receptor activity. The literature reports differences in clearance and duration between the two forms, so they are not directly substitutable in study designs where exposure time is a variable.
Why does the C-terminal amide matter?
Receptor binding for the RFamide family depends on the amidated C-terminus. A free acid at that position substantially reduces activity, which means amidation is a specification to confirm on the Certificate of Analysis rather than an incidental detail — two vials at the same stated purity are not equivalent if one is not amidated.
How does it relate to GnRH in research models?
It acts upstream. Kisspeptin binds KISS1R on GnRH neurons and stimulates GnRH release, which in turn drives pituitary gonadotropin secretion. Studies distinguishing kisspeptin effects from direct GnRH administration generally rely on that ordering — the response to kisspeptin requires an intact GnRH neuron population, while direct GnRH does not.
Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, not for use in diagnostic procedures, and not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
