Kisspeptin-10

What Is Kisspeptin-10?

Kisspeptin-10 is the C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin (KiSS-1 gene product), the most potent known activator of pulsatile GnRH release from the hypothalamus. It is the master upstream regulator of the HPG axis — controlling puberty onset, LH/FSH secretion, and reproductive cyclicity in both sexes.

Key Mechanisms

• GPR54 (KISS1R) agonism — activates hypothalamic GnRH neurons to release GnRH pulses
• LH/FSH stimulation — downstream activation of pituitary gonadotropins
• Sex steroid feedback integration — kisspeptin neurons integrate estrogen and testosterone signals to regulate GnRH pulsatility
• Puberty gate — critical for the pubertal activation of the reproductive axis

Key References

1. Seminara SB et al. “The GPR54 gene as a regulator of puberty.” N Engl J Med, 2003;349:1614–1627.
2. Young J et al. “Kisspeptin in hypogonadism.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2012;97:E537–545.