Neuropeptide / GPR54 Agonist / GnRH Regulator
Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) Research Peptide
Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is the biologically active 10-amino acid C-terminal fragment of kisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene. All longer kisspeptin isoforms (Kisspeptin-54, -14, -13) share this identical C-terminal decapeptide sequence, which is required for binding and activation of the kisspeptin receptor GPR54 (also designated KISS1R). Kisspeptins are established as essential regulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and GnRH pulsatile release.
Compound identity
- Name
- Kisspeptin-10
- Class
- Neuropeptide / GPR54 Agonist / GnRH Regulator
- CAS number
- 414906-06-8
- Molecular formula
- C₆₃H₈₃N₁₅O₁₃
- Also known as
- KP-10, Metastin (10-19), KISS1 C-terminal decapeptide
- Sequence
- Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH₂ (10 aa; C-terminal amide; MW ~1302 Da; KISS1 gene C-terminal decapeptide)
Research context
Kisspeptin was originally identified as a tumor metastasis suppressor (hence the original name 'metastin') encoded by the KISS1 gene, but its central role in reproductive endocrinology was revealed when Seminara et al. (New England Journal of Medicine, 2003) and de Roux et al. (PNAS, 2003) simultaneously reported that loss-of-function mutations in GPR54 — the kisspeptin receptor — cause idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) with absent pubertal development. This finding identified the KISS1/GPR54 system as a gating signal for GnRH pulsatility in the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin-10 (CAS 414906-06-8, MW ~1302 Da) corresponds to residues 112–121 (the C-terminal 10 residues) of the 145-amino acid KISS1 prepropeptide precursor. The C-terminal amide is required for full GPR54 agonist activity.
Research on Kisspeptin-10 has characterized its pharmacology at GPR54 and its downstream neuroendocrine effects. Dhillo et al. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2005; Endocrinology, 2007) demonstrated that peripheral administration of KP-10 in human volunteers produced robust, dose-dependent increases in LH and FSH secretion, consistent with GPR54-mediated GnRH pulsatility. The kisspeptin system has since been investigated as a regulator of puberty onset, seasonal reproductive cycles, energy balance-to-reproduction coupling (leptin-kisspeptin signaling), sex steroid feedback, and stress-mediated reproductive suppression. KP-10 is widely used in research as a GPR54 agonist probe for both in-vitro receptor pharmacology and in-vivo HPG axis studies in animal models.
As a research reagent, Kisspeptin-10 is used in GPR54 receptor pharmacology, reproductive neuroendocrinology, GnRH pulse generator research, and studies of HPG axis regulation. DMV Research supplies KP-10 as a lyophilized peptide with per-batch Certificate of Analysis confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity ≥99% by HPLC.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10)?+
Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10, CAS 414906-06-8) is the 10-amino acid C-terminal bioactive fragment of kisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts as an agonist at GPR54 (KISS1R), the kisspeptin receptor, which is expressed on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. KP-10 is a key pharmacological probe for studying the kisspeptin/GPR54 axis and its regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive axis.
How does kisspeptin regulate reproduction?+
Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus (primarily in the arcuate nucleus and anteroventral periventricular nucleus) project to GnRH-secreting neurons and activate GPR54 on GnRH cell bodies and dendrites. This GPR54 activation triggers pulsatile GnRH release into the hypophyseal portal circulation, which drives LH and FSH secretion from the pituitary and ultimately gonadal sex hormone production. The kisspeptin system integrates signals from sex steroids (feedback), energy status (leptin), and photoperiod (melatonin) to modulate HPG axis output — making it a central relay for reproductive physiology.
What is the relationship between Kisspeptin-10, Kisspeptin-54, and Kisspeptin-14?+
All kisspeptin isoforms (KP-10, KP-13, KP-14, KP-54) are derived from the same KISS1 precursor protein by differential proteolytic processing. They all share the same C-terminal 10 amino acid sequence — the KP-10 decapeptide — which contains the GPR54-binding pharmacophore. Longer isoforms contain additional N-terminal sequence but have the same essential receptor-binding motif. KP-10 is used in research as the minimal active fragment for GPR54 pharmacology studies.
Is Kisspeptin-10 approved for human use?+
No. Kisspeptin-10 is not FDA-approved for any indication. Kisspeptin has been investigated in clinical research contexts (fertility evaluation, puberty assessment), but no kisspeptin product has received regulatory approval. As supplied by DMV Research, KP-10 is for in-vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
Research use only
All products are intended for laboratory and research use only (RUO) and are not for human consumption, ingestion, or any in-vivo use.
The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Kisspeptin-10 is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is provided for laboratory research reference only.