Kisspeptin-10

What is Kisspeptin-10?

Kisspeptin-10 is a 10-amino-acid amidated peptide corresponding to the C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin-54, the principal product of the human KISS1 gene. The full-length kisspeptin was originally identified as metastin, a suppressor of metastasis in cancer cell models, before its role as the key upstream activator of GnRH neurons was discovered. Kisspeptin-10 retains the receptor-binding region and activates KISS1R (also called GPR54) with high potency in preclinical assays.

GenoPept supplies kisspeptin-10 UK laboratories as a lyophilised research peptide in 5mg and 10mg vials. It is one of the most requested reproductive-axis research peptides because it sits above GnRH in the signalling hierarchy, allowing researchers to probe the hypothalamic control of reproduction rather than the pituitary alone.

Kisspeptin-10 research applications

Kisspeptin-10 peptide is investigated across neuroendocrinology, reproductive biology, metabolism and oncology research. The applications below describe published preclinical and cell-model work and are not claims about use in people.

Upstream control of the reproductive axis

Kisspeptin-10 is used to stimulate GnRH neurons in hypothalamic explants, brain-slice preparations and animal models, allowing researchers to measure downstream GnRH, LH and FSH release. It is the standard tool for studying how the KISS1-KISS1R system gates puberty onset and fertility.

Kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) pharmacology

In-vitro assays use kisspeptin-10 as the reference agonist to characterise KISS1R signalling, receptor desensitisation and the activity of synthetic analogues and antagonists.

Metabolic and energy-balance signalling

Research explores how kisspeptin neurons integrate signals such as leptin and insulin, linking nutritional state to reproductive function in animal models.

Metastasis and cell-migration biology

Because kisspeptin was first described as metastin, kisspeptin-10 is used in cell-culture studies of cancer cell motility, invasion and KISS1R-mediated signalling in tumour models.

Cardiovascular and placental biology

Published research has investigated kisspeptin signalling in vascular tissue and in the placenta, where KISS1 expression is high, using kisspeptin-10 as the active fragment.

Mechanism of action (preclinical)

Kisspeptin-10 binds KISS1R (GPR54), a Gq/11-coupled G protein-coupled receptor expressed on hypothalamic GnRH neurons and in peripheral tissues. Receptor activation stimulates phospholipase C, raising intracellular calcium and inositol phosphate levels, and depolarises GnRH neurons to trigger GnRH release into the hypophyseal portal circulation.

In preclinical models this GnRH surge drives pituitary LH and FSH secretion, which is why kisspeptin-10 is described as the master regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In cancer cell models, KISS1R signalling has been reported to reduce cell motility through pathways including focal adhesion kinase and MAPK modulation, reflecting the peptide’s original identification as metastin.

Kisspeptin-10 product specifications

Available sizes

Kisspeptin-10 is offered by GenoPept in two vial sizes to suit receptor assays and larger in-vivo study designs:

• 5mg vial
• 10mg vial

Laboratories running larger studies can order it in bulk boxes of 10 vials at 20–50% below single-vial pricing through our bulk and wholesale page, with UK-only retail delivery.

Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)

This compound is supplied as a lyophilised powder and should be stored unopened at –20 °C for long-term holding, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, always protected from light. Kisspeptin-10 contains tryptophan and is sensitive to oxidation and light, so keep vials in the dark and prepare fresh working solutions where a protocol allows.

To reconstitute for in-vitro work, add bacteriostatic water or another sterile diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial, then swirl gently until the powder dissolves. Never shake the vial, because shear can damage the molecule. After reconstitution keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the period stated in the laboratory protocol. UK laboratories can also read our guides on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.

Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis

Every batch of Kisspeptin-10 sold by GenoPept is tested by an independent third-party laboratory, Puralytix (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited), using HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity confirmation. The resulting batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) is linked from the “View Certificate of Analysis” button on this page, and the complete library is available at genopept.co.uk/coa-certificates.

For kisspeptin-10 the LC-MS test confirms the expected mass of the amidated decapeptide, and HPLC quantifies purity against deletion sequences and oxidised impurities. Our article on what a Certificate of Analysis shows explains how to read the purity chromatogram and mass spectrum. Orders are dispatched from the UK by tracked Royal Mail Special Delivery (£10, free on orders over £200), with automatic basket discounts of 5% over £300, 10% over £500 and 15% over £1,000. We accept bank transfer and crypto.

Related research compounds

• Gonadorelin – native GnRH, the direct downstream target of kisspeptin signalling in the HPG axis.
• Triptorelin 2mg – a long-acting GnRH agonist for comparing pituitary-level and hypothalamic-level stimulation.
• HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) – an LH-receptor agonist for studying gonadal endpoints downstream of kisspeptin.
• Oxytocin – a complementary neuropeptide for neuroendocrine research.

Kisspeptin-10 frequently asked questions

What is kisspeptin-10 used for in research?

Kisspeptin-10 is used to study the upstream control of the reproductive axis, acting on KISS1R (GPR54) to stimulate GnRH neurons in hypothalamic explants and animal models. It is also investigated in metabolic signalling, placental biology and cancer cell migration, reflecting its original discovery as the metastasis suppressor metastin. All applications are preclinical or in-vitro.

How is kisspeptin-10 supplied and what purity is it?

GenoPept supplies kisspeptin-10 as a lyophilised powder in sealed, sterile glass vials of 5mg or 10mg with black caps and batch-identified labels. Purity is ≥99%, verified for every batch by Puralytix (ISO/IEC 17025) with HPLC for purity and LC-MS for identity. The batch Certificate of Analysis is available from this product page.

How should kisspeptin-10 be stored?

Store unopened kisspeptin-10 vials at –20 °C for long-term holding, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light because the tryptophan residue is prone to oxidation. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile diluent, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the timeframe your laboratory protocol specifies.

Is kisspeptin-10 for human use?

No. Kisspeptin-10 from GenoPept is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, it is not a medicine, and it is not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. We do not supply dosing or administration guidance, and the content of this page is not medical advice.

What is the difference between kisspeptin-10 and kisspeptin-54?

Kisspeptin-54 is the full-length 54-amino-acid peptide cleaved from the KISS1 gene product, while kisspeptin-10 is its C-terminal decapeptide. Both activate KISS1R, but kisspeptin-10 is smaller, easier to synthesise at high purity and shows faster kinetics in preclinical models, whereas kisspeptin-54 has a longer half-life. Kisspeptin-10 is therefore the standard fragment for receptor and acute-stimulation research.

Research use only. Kisspeptin-10 is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not for human or veterinary use, it is not a medicine, and it is not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Read our research use only policy and guide to research peptides and UK law before ordering.