Kisspeptin-10
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #026 · Anti-Aging · Hand-curated entry · Editorial standards
Kisspeptin-10 (also known as KP-10, Metastin (1-10), KISS1 (112-121)) is a anti-aging research peptide. The active 10-amino-acid core of kisspeptin, a master regulator of reproductive hormone release. Stimulates GnRH secretion and has been studied in human trials for fertility and reproductive disorders.
Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) is the C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin, the product of the KISS1 gene, and the minimal sequence required for activation of the GPR54 (KISS1R) receptor. Kisspeptin signaling is a master regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis: it potently stimulates GnRH release, thereby driving LH and FSH secretion. Human clinical studies have explored KP-10 to trigger oocyte maturation in IVF, treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and investigate reproductive and metabolic crosstalk. It has also been examined for bone metabolism because kisspeptin receptor signaling influences osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
1 Mechanism of action
Binds the kisspeptin receptor (GPR54/KISS1R), a Gq-coupled GPCR, activating phospholipase C and calcium signaling in GnRH neurons, leading to GnRH secretion and downstream pituitary gonadotropin release.
Primary targets: KISS1R (GPR54)
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Reported benefits
- Potently stimulates GnRH/LH/FSH release in human studies
- Investigated as IVF trigger and fertility therapeutic
- Reveals metabolic–reproductive crosstalk
- Preclinical evidence for bone-protective effects
2.2 Side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Transient flushing
- Rare nausea
- Reproductive-hormone fluctuations
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 374675-21-5 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 1302.5 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | >98% |
| Half-life | ~2–4 minutes (IV); rapid degradation |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | KISS1R (GPR54) |
3.1 Amino acid sequence
Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2
4 Research dosages
0.1–4 μg/kg IV bolus in clinical trials; SC research use not standardized.
5 Research studies (6)
- Metabolic regulation of kisspeptin - the link between energy balance and reproduction.
Nature reviews. Endocrinology (2020) · ReviewHypothalamic kisspeptin neurons serve as the nodal regulatory centre of reproductive function. - Pubertal development and regulation.
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology (2016) · ReviewPuberty marks the end of childhood and is a period when individuals undergo physiological and psychological changes to achieve sexual maturation and fertility. - Kisspeptin-10 binding to Gpr54 in osteoclasts prevents bone loss by activating Dusp18-mediated dephosphorylation of Src.
Nature communications (2024) · ReviewOsteoclasts are over-activated as we age, which results in bone loss. - Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) stimulates osteoblast differentiation through GPR54-mediated regulation of BMP2 expression and activation.
Scientific reports (2018) · ReviewKisspeptin-10 (KP-10) acts as a tumor metastasis suppressor via its receptor, G-protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54). - Central precocious puberty: From genetics to treatment.
Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism (2018) · ReviewCentral precocious puberty (CPP) results from early activation of the hypothalamic - pituitary -gonadal (HPG) axis and follows the same sequence as normal puberty. - Kisspeptin and Prolactin.
Seminars in reproductive medicine (2019) · ReviewThe relationship between elevated prolactin and infertility has been known for a long time, but the specific mechanism by which prolactin inhibited reproduction had been uncertain.
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
Kisspeptin-10 is currently classified as Investigational. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.
Safety score: 55/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Hormone-sensitive malignancy (breast, prostate)
- Precocious puberty states
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| GnRH analogs | May interfere with axis stimulation protocols. | High |
| Sex steroids / contraceptives | Can alter feedback on the HPG axis, blunting KP-10 responses. | Moderate |
6.4 Long-term risks
- Chronic axis stimulation could desensitize GnRH neurons
- Hormone fluctuations with repeated dosing
6.5 Research best practices
- Store lyophilized at −20 °C
- Rapidly degraded — use fresh reconstitution; consider infusion for prolonged studies
- Endocrine monitoring recommended in any protocol
7 Frequently asked questions
- What does kisspeptin-10 do?
- KP-10 activates the GPR54 receptor, potently stimulating GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. This drives LH and FSH release, making it a key regulator of reproduction and gonadal function.
- How is kisspeptin-10 used in clinical research?
- Human trials have used IV bolus KP-10 to trigger LH surges in IVF protocols, to stimulate the reproductive axis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and to study the link between metabolism and fertility.
- What is the typical dosing?
- Clinical studies used IV administration of 0.1–3.2 nmol/kg (roughly 0.1–4 μg/kg). Subcutaneous research use is less standardized; peptide degradation is rapid.
8 References
- Metabolic regulation of kisspeptin - the link between energy balance and reproduction. PubMed (2020). Navarro VM, et al.. View source
- Pubertal development and regulation. PubMed (2016). Abreu AP, et al.. View source
- Kisspeptin-10 binding to Gpr54 in osteoclasts prevents bone loss by activating Dusp18-mediated dephosphorylation of Src. PubMed (2024). Li Z, et al.. View source
- Kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) stimulates osteoblast differentiation through GPR54-mediated regulation of BMP2 expression and activation. PubMed (2018). Son HE, et al.. View source
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