What Is Kisspeptin-10? Research Guide
Definition
Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is the C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin-54, the KISS1 gene product first described as metastin. Its sequence is Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2 (CAS 374675-21-5, C63H83N17O14, 1302.5 Da). It is a full agonist at KISS1R, also called GPR54, and is studied in reproductive-axis and neuroendocrine research.
Key Takeaways
- →Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is the C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin-54, the KISS1 gene product first described as metastin. Its sequence is Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2 (CAS 374675-21-5, C63H83N17O14, 1302.5 Da).
- →Available for in-vitro research at ≥99% HPLC-verified purity from Peptide.Express.
- →Certificate of Analysis included with every order. Same-day US shipping.

Kisspeptin-10 Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Compound | Kisspeptin-10 |
| CAS Number | 374675-21-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C63H83N17O14 |
| Molecular Weight | 1302.5 Da |
| Sequence / Structure | Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2 (decapeptide, KP-10) |
| Mechanism Class | GPR54 / KISS1R agonist |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC, batch-specific CoA included |
Registry records for Kisspeptin-10: PubChem
Kisspeptin-10 Mechanism of Action
Kisspeptin-10 activates KISS1R, a Gq/11-coupled receptor signaling through phospholipase C to IP3 and diacylglycerol — a calcium-mobilizing pathway, not a cAMP one. The importance of that receptor was established from human genetics rather than pharmacology: independent 2003 reports from de Roux and from Seminara showed that loss-of-function GPR54 mutations produce hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, identifying the receptor as an obligatory gate upstream of GnRH neurons. Kisspeptin therefore acts one level above GnRH, driving its release, which is the practical distinction from gonadorelin and other GnRH analogs acting directly at the pituitary. The C-terminal RFamide is required for activity, and truncations shorter than these ten residues lose it.
Kisspeptin-10 Research Applications
KISS1R/GPR54 receptor pharmacology, measured by inositol phosphate accumulation or calcium mobilization rather than cAMP, since the receptor is Gq-coupled.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis models, where kisspeptin is the standard probe for establishing whether a signal acts above or below the GnRH neuron.
Structure-activity work on the RFamide C-terminus, the recognition element shared across the RFamide peptide family.
Comparative studies against GnRH analogs, which separate hypothalamic from pituitary sites of action within the same axis.
Kisspeptin-10 Storage Requirements
Store lyophilized kisspeptin-10 at -20°C (-4°F) and protect from light; the tryptophan at position three is the most photolabile residue in the sequence. Reconstituted, keep at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and use within 30 days. Kisspeptins are reported substrates for matrix metalloproteinases and are short-lived in biological matrices, so solutions for cell work are better prepared fresh than held and reused.
Kisspeptin-10 at Peptide.Express
All Kisspeptin-10 sold by Peptide.Express is HPLC-verified at ≥99% purity with a Certificate of Analysis included. Same-day US shipping on orders before 2 PM EST. For in-vitro laboratory research use only.
View Kisspeptin-10 Product DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
What is Kisspeptin-10?
Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is the C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin-54, the KISS1 gene product originally named metastin. Its CAS number is 374675-21-5, its molecular formula is C63H83N17O14 and its average molecular weight is 1302.5 Da. It is a full agonist at KISS1R (GPR54) and is studied in reproductive-axis and neuroendocrine research.
What is the sequence of Kisspeptin-10?
Kisspeptin-10 is Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2, written YNWNSFGLRF-NH2, a C-terminally amidated decapeptide. The terminal Arg-Phe-amide is what places it in the RFamide peptide family and carries the receptor recognition determinants; truncating below ten residues loses activity.
What is the difference between Kisspeptin-10 and Kisspeptin-54?
Length, not receptor. Kisspeptin-54 (metastin) is the full 54-residue KISS1 product; kisspeptin-10 is its final ten residues. Both bind KISS1R with high affinity because the recognition elements sit at the C-terminus. KP-10 at 1302.5 Da is the shorter and far more commonly used research form.
What does Kisspeptin do in the reproductive axis?
In published models kisspeptin acts on KISS1R expressed by hypothalamic GnRH neurons, stimulating GnRH release, which in turn drives pituitary LH and FSH secretion. The evidence that this step is obligatory came from human genetics: inactivating GPR54 mutations reported independently in 2003 cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This describes research models only; no human use is implied.
Where can I buy Kisspeptin-10 for research?
Research-grade Kisspeptin-10 is available from Peptide.Express at ≥99% HPLC-verified purity with a Certificate of Analysis included. Visit peptide.express/catalog/kisspeptin for full specifications.
References
- Han SK, Gottsch ML, Lee KJ, Popa SM, Smith JT, Jakawich SK, Clifton DK, Steiner RA, Herbison AE. Activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons by kisspeptin as a neuroendocrine switch for the onset of puberty. J Neurosci. 2005. Read Han et al. on kisspeptin-evoked depolarization of GnRH neurons
- de Roux N, Genin E, Carel JC, Matsuda F, Chaussain JL, Milgrom E. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to loss of function of the KiSS1-derived peptide receptor GPR54. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003. Read de Roux et al.'s identification of GPR54 loss-of-function hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- Lee JH, Miele ME, Hicks DJ, Phillips KK, Trent JM, Weissman BE, Welch DR. KiSS-1, a novel human malignant melanoma metastasis-suppressor gene. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1996. Read Lee et al.'s identification of KiSS-1 as a melanoma metastasis suppressor
Research Areas Using Kisspeptin-10
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