Kisspeptin-10 and the KISS1R Signalling Pathway
Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest fragment of the KISS1 gene product that retains full receptor activity, which makes it a common tool compound in work on the KISS1R pathway.
From KISS1 to kisspeptin-10
The KISS1 gene encodes a 145-residue precursor that is processed to a 54-amino-acid peptide, kisspeptin-54. Shorter C-terminal fragments — kisspeptin-14, -13 and -10 — are all produced and all retain activity at the receptor, because the C-terminal decapeptide carries the receptor-binding determinants. Kisspeptin-10 is therefore the minimal active sequence rather than a truncation that trades potency for convenience.
An unusual naming note: KISS1 was originally identified as a metastasis-suppressor gene, and the name derives from that context, not from any property of the peptide. Older literature refers to the product as metastin.
Receptor coupling
KISS1R (formerly GPR54) is a class A GPCR that couples to Gαq/11 rather than Gαs. Activation drives phospholipase C, inositol trisphosphate production and intracellular calcium mobilisation. This matters for assay selection: a cAMP accumulation assay, which is the default readout for many peptide receptors, is the wrong instrument here. Calcium flux or inositol phosphate accumulation assays are the appropriate choices.
KISS1R also shows pronounced desensitisation on sustained agonist exposure, so continuous versus pulsatile stimulation designs give different results. The indexed literature is at PubMed.
Practical handling
Kisspeptin-10 contains a C-terminal amide and is prone to aggregation at higher concentrations in aqueous buffer. Sequences of this kind commonly need a small proportion of organic co-solvent or a slightly acidic buffer for initial dissolution before dilution into assay medium. Preparing a concentrated stock directly in neutral buffer is a frequent cause of incomplete dissolution that is mistaken for low potency.
Identity confirmation
Because several kisspeptin fragments share the same C-terminal sequence, retention time alone is weak evidence of identity — the fragments are chemically similar and can elute closely. Mass confirmation distinguishes them unambiguously. Our certificates state which analytical methods were applied to each batch. Product page: Kisspeptin-10 5mg; related compounds under neuropeptides.
ExoLabz supplies compounds for laboratory research use only. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a suggestion of human or veterinary use. Certificates of analysis for each compound are published on this site.
