What is kisspeptin?

Kisspeptin is a family of peptides with a central role in regulating reproductive hormones. The name has a surprising origin. Here you can read what kisspeptin is, how it was discovered and how to work with it in the lab.

Kisspeptin at a glance

Kisspeptins are encoded by the KISS1 gene. A precursor protein gives rise to peptides of different lengths, such as kisspeptin-54, -14, -13 and -10. They all share the same ten-amino-acid tail, which is key to binding the receptor. Research often uses kisspeptin-10, the shortest active form.

Gene: KISS1
Receptor: KISS1R (formerly GPR54)
Kisspeptin-10: Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2
Form: white lyophilized powder

Discovery and name

The KISS1 gene was discovered in 1996 in Hershey, Pennsylvania (US), first in connection with suppressing metastasis in cancer cell models. The name is a nod to the famous Hershey's Kisses chocolates made in that town.

In 2003, two research groups independently showed that the kisspeptin receptor is required for the onset of puberty. Since then, kisspeptin has been a central topic in reproductive endocrinology.

Research areas

Kisspeptin is studied in these areas, among others:

Regulation of GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in animal models
Puberty onset and reproductive function
The original role of KISS1 in cancer cell models

Storage and quality

Store lyophilized kisspeptin at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, swirl gently and keep the solution at 2–8 °C.

Every batch of kisspeptin from Virexa Labs is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity; the COA is on the product page. Kisspeptin is not approved as a medicine and at Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research, not for human or veterinary use.

Products

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name kisspeptin come from?

The KISS1 gene was discovered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The name refers to the Hershey's Kisses chocolates made there.