Kisspeptin

Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is a C-terminal fragment of the kisspeptin precursor and one of the naturally occurring kisspeptin peptides capable of activating the kisspeptin receptor, KISS1R. KISS1R is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) also known as GPR54. [1] Kisspeptin-10 has been characterized as an active KISS1R ligand in receptor-binding and cellular signaling studies.

KISS1R Receptor Activation

When Kisspeptin-10 binds to KISS1R, the receptor undergoes a conformational change that promotes interaction with intracellular G proteins. KISS1R is primarily associated with Gαq/11 signaling, which activates phospholipase C (PLC). PLC hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂), generating the second messengers inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG). IP₃ promotes intracellular calcium mobilization, while DAG contributes to activation of protein kinase C (PKC). [2]

Downstream Signaling

Activation of PKC and changes in intracellular calcium can engage downstream signaling networks including the ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Experimental studies using KISS1R-expressing cells have characterized sustained signaling involving Gαq/11, PLC, PKC, and intracellular calcium following exposure to KP-10.

KISS1R signaling is not limited to a single G-protein pathway. Structural and functional research has demonstrated that KISS1R can also couple to Gi/o, providing additional context for studying receptor conformational states and G-protein subtype selectivity. Recent structural studies have examined KISS1R in complex with different ligands and G-protein subtypes to characterize the molecular basis of ligand recognition and receptor coupling. [3]

Research Context

The Kisspeptin-10/KISS1R system therefore provides a well-characterized model for investigating peptide–GPCR recognition, receptor activation, G-protein coupling, intracellular calcium signaling, and downstream kinase pathways. Kisspeptin-10 can be used as a defined peptide ligand in experimental systems designed to characterize these molecular and cellular processes.

Kisspeptin Research Applications

Kisspeptin-10 is a well-characterized ligand for KISS1R and is used in experimental systems investigating peptide–GPCR interactions, receptor activation, and intracellular signaling. Its defined sequence and established receptor activity make it useful for several areas of molecular and cellular research.

KISS1R Receptor Pharmacology

Kisspeptin-10 is used to investigate the pharmacological properties of KISS1R, including ligand binding, receptor activation, concentration-response relationships, and receptor selectivity. Experimental studies have characterized how specific residues within Kisspeptin-10 contribute to its interaction with KISS1R.

Ligand–Receptor Recognition

Structural research has provided detailed information about how Kisspeptin-10 interacts with KISS1R. A 2024 cryo-EM study resolved KISS1R bound to Kisspeptin-10 and identified specific interactions involved in ligand recognition and receptor activation. The findings provide a structural basis for understanding how Kisspeptin-10 binding changes the receptor and contributes to downstream G-protein signaling. [3]

G-Protein Coupling and Signal Transduction

Kisspeptin-10 is also used to investigate the intracellular signaling that follows KISS1R activation. Research has shown that KISS1R can signal through Gαq/11, involving pathways linked to phospholipase C, protein kinase C, and intracellular calcium. More recent structural and functional studies have also identified Gi/o coupling, providing a basis for investigating how KISS1R engages different G-protein subtypes and how receptor conformation influences signaling. [3]

Structure–Activity Relationship Research

Modified Kisspeptin-10 analogs have been used to investigate how individual amino acid residues influence receptor binding and signaling. Substitution studies have identified regions of the peptide that are particularly important for KISS1R activity, making KP-10 useful as a reference molecule in structure–activity relationship research and peptide design.

Neuroendocrine Signaling Research

Kisspeptin-10 is used in experimental models to investigate the KISS1/KISS1R signaling system and its role within broader neuroendocrine pathways. Research using KISS1R-expressing cells and receptor models has examined how kisspeptin signaling interacts with other signaling systems involved in neuroendocrine regulation. [5]

These studies make Kisspeptin-10 a useful defined ligand for investigating KISS1R pharmacology, cellular signaling, and neuroendocrine signaling mechanisms.

Kisspeptin-10 Compared With Other Research Peptides

Kisspeptin-10, Melanotan II, and PT-141 are structurally distinct peptide ligands that have been investigated in different areas of GPCR pharmacology. Comparing their receptor targets and research contexts helps distinguish the KISS1R system from the melanocortin receptor systems targeted by Melanotan II and PT-141.

Note: All materials listed for laboratory research use only

Kisspeptin-10 is distinguished from the melanocortin peptides by its KISS1R target. Although all three compounds are peptide GPCR ligands, KISS1R and melanocortin receptors belong to different receptor systems and have different ligand-recognition and signaling characteristics.

Kisspeptin-10 is therefore best considered a KISS1R research ligand rather than a melanocortin peptide.

Other Related Peptides and Research Compounds

Several other peptides are relevant to KISS1R and broader neuroendocrine research. Kisspeptin-54 (KP-54) is the longer endogenous kisspeptin isoform and shares the C-terminal decapeptide sequence found in Kisspeptin-10, making it a particularly useful comparator in studies of kisspeptin receptor pharmacology.

Peptide-234 is another KISS1R-related research compound, but unlike Kisspeptin-10 it was developed as a modified kisspeptin-derived antagonist. It can therefore provide a useful contrast in experiments investigating receptor activation versus receptor antagonism.

Storage & Laboratory Handling

Kisspeptin-10 is supplied as a lyophilized research material. Maintain appropriate storage and handling to help minimize exposure to moisture, light, temperature fluctuations, and other conditions which may affect peptide integrity.

Basic Laboratory Handling Practices

• Keep the vial sealed: Maintain the original sealed container until the material is required for laboratory work.

• Control temperature: Store Kisspeptin-10 according to Bluum Peptides' product-specific storage instructions and applicable batch documentation.

• Protect from moisture: Keep the lyophilized material dry and minimize exposure to atmospheric moisture.

• Protect from light: Store away from direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to strong laboratory lighting.

• Minimize temperature cycling: Avoid unnecessary changes between storage temperatures and repeated freeze-thaw exposure.

• Minimize condensation: When removing cold material from storage, allow the sealed vial to reach an appropriate handling temperature before opening to reduce potential condensation exposure.

• Maintain batch traceability: Keep the vial, lot number, Certificate of Analysis, and laboratory records together so experimental material can be traced to its tested batch.

• Follow laboratory protocols: Apply institutional, laboratory-specific, and study-specific SOPs alongside the manufacturer's product documentation.

Published analytical studies have demonstrated that Kisspeptin-10 can undergo degradation under certain temperature and matrix conditions, emphasizing the importance of controlled handling. However, these studies do not establish a universal shelf life for the lyophilized research material under all storage conditions.

Researchers should therefore rely on the manufacturer's product documentation, batch-specific information, and validated laboratory procedures rather than assuming a fixed stability period.

Kisspeptin-10 is intended strictly for laboratory research use only.

Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance

Bluum Peptides independently third-party tests each new batch of Kisspeptin-10 before dispatch. Testing includes purity, identity, sterility, endotoxins, and other applicable analytical parameters, with results documented in a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA).

When you buy Kisspeptin-10 from Bluum Peptides, you can use the Lab Reports page to access available certificates and review the analytical results associated with individual product lots. Refer to the applicable COA for the exact analytical results associated with the most recent lot or any specific batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Kisspeptin-10?

Kisspeptin-10 is a synthetic decapeptide corresponding to the C-terminal region of the kisspeptin precursor. It is studied as a ligand for the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54), a G protein-coupled receptor. Research involving Kisspeptin-10 has examined KISS1R receptor pharmacology, ligand recognition, G-protein coupling, and downstream cellular signaling.

2. What is the amino acid sequence of Kisspeptin-10?

Kisspeptin-10 has the sequence Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH₂, corresponding to residues 112–121 of the KISS1 gene product (also referred to as metastin 45–54). Its amidated C-terminal Arg-Phe motif places it within the RF-amide peptide family and has been identified in experimental studies as important for KISS1R binding and activation.

This defined sequence makes Kisspeptin-10 a consistent reference ligand for receptor-binding, signaling, and structure–activity studies. Bluum Peptides supplies Kisspeptin-10 strictly as a laboratory research material.

3. What receptor does Kisspeptin-10 bind to, and what signaling pathways does it activate?

Kisspeptin-10 binds to the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54), a class A G protein-coupled receptor. Experimental studies have characterized KISS1R signaling through Gαq/11, including activation of phospholipase C (PLC), generation of IP₃ and DAG, intracellular calcium mobilization, and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling. Downstream pathways including ERK1/2 have also been investigated.

Structural and functional research has further examined KISS1R coupling to different G-protein subtypes, providing a model for studying ligand recognition, receptor conformational changes, and G-protein selectivity.

4. What is Kisspeptin-10 used for in research?

Kisspeptin-10 is used in laboratory research investigating KISS1R receptor pharmacology, peptide–GPCR interactions, ligand recognition, G-protein coupling, and intracellular signaling. It has also been used as a reference ligand in studies examining the structural features required for KISS1R activity and in structure–activity relationship research involving modified kisspeptin peptides.

5. How does Kisspeptin-10 compare with Kisspeptin-54?

Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) and Kisspeptin-54 (KP-54) are closely related kisspeptin peptides that share the same C-terminal decapeptide sequence. Kisspeptin-10 consists of 10 amino acids, while Kisspeptin-54 is a substantially longer peptide containing the KP-10 sequence within its C-terminal region.

Both peptides have been studied as KISS1R ligands, but their different lengths and structures can produce distinct experimental pharmacological characteristics. The choice between them therefore depends on the specific receptor, ligand, or structure–activity question being investigated.

6. Are there Kisspeptin-10 analogs used in research?

Yes. Researchers have developed and investigated modified Kisspeptin-10 analogs to examine how individual amino acid residues and structural modifications affect KISS1R binding and signaling. Such studies can help characterize the molecular features involved in ligand–receptor recognition and establish structure–activity relationships.

Kisspeptin-10 itself can serve as a reference compound when comparing modified peptide sequences or other KISS1R ligands.

7. Where can I buy Kisspeptin-10 for laboratory research?

You can buy Kisspeptin-10 from Bluum Peptides US in 10 mg lyophilized powder form at over 99% purity, verified through third-party analytical testing with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis provided. Bluum Peptides remains committed to reliable, fast, and secure shipping throughout the US.

Kisspeptin-10 is sold strictly for laboratory research use only.

Scientific Applications

1. Curtis AE, Cooke JH, Baxter JE, Parkinson JR, Bataveljic A, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR, Murphy KG. A kisspeptin-10 analog with greater in vivo bioactivity than kisspeptin-10. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Feb;298(2):E296-303.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19934405/

2. Cao Y, Li Z, Jiang W, Ling Y, Kuang H. Reproductive functions of Kisspeptin/KISS1R systems in the periphery. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2019 Aug 9;17(1):65.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31399145/

3. Wu Z, Chen G, Qiu C, Yan X, Xu L, Jiang S, Xu J, Han R, Shi T, Liu Y, Gao W, Wang Q, Li J, Ye F, Pan X, Zhang Z, Ning P, Zhang B, Chen J, Du Y. Structural basis for the ligand recognition and G protein subtype selectivity of kisspeptin receptor. Sci Adv. 2024 Aug 16;10(33):eadn7771.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39151001/

4. Ahow M, Min L, Pampillo M, Nash C, Wen J, Soltis K, Carroll RS, Glidewell-Kenney CA, Mellon PL, Bhattacharya M, Tobet SA, Kaiser UB, Babwah AV. KISS1R signals independently of Gαq/11 and triggers LH secretion via the β-arrestin pathway in the male mouse. Endocrinology. 2014 Nov;155(11):4433-46.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25147978/

5. Mills EG, Tsoutsouki J, Pierret ACS, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. The neuroendocrine regulation of reproductive behavior and emotional control by kisspeptin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025 May 19;110(6):e1747-e1758.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39880372/

6. Kleimenova T, Polyakova V, Linkova N, Drobintseva A, Medvedev D, Krasichkov A. The expression of kisspeptins and matrix metalloproteinases in extragenital endometriosis. Biomedicines. 2024 Jan 1;12(1):94.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38255200/