Kisspeptin-10

Kisspeptin-10 is the bioactive C-terminal decapeptide fragment of full-length kisspeptin (kisspeptin-54), a hypothalamic neuropeptide that serves as the master regulator of the reproductive hormone axis. The discovery that kisspeptin activates GnRH neurons revolutionized understanding of puberty initiation and reproductive function.

The peptide acts through the KISS1R receptor (also known as GPR54) expressed on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. Activation of this receptor potently stimulates GnRH release, which in turn triggers pituitary LH and FSH secretion to drive gonadal function and sex hormone production.

Kisspeptin-10 retains full biological activity at KISS1R despite being only 10 amino acids (compared to the 54-amino acid parent peptide), as the critical receptor-binding motif is contained within this C-terminal sequence. This makes it more practical for synthesis while maintaining potent GnRH-releasing activity.

Clinical research has explored kisspeptin for diagnostic testing of reproductive axis function and as a novel approach to ovulation induction in IVF protocols. Unlike conventional GnRH analogs, kisspeptin works upstream of GnRH neurons, providing a more physiological stimulus to the reproductive axis with potentially reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.