What Kisspeptin-10 is
Kisspeptin-10 is the ten-residue C-terminal fragment of kisspeptin, the peptide product of the KISS1 gene. The gene was first identified in cancer-metastasis research — hence the original name metastin — and only afterwards was its role in reproduction discovered, when loss-of-function mutations in its receptor were linked to failure of pubertal development. It is one of the better examples of a molecule found for one reason and turning out to matter for another.
- Kisspeptin-10C-terminal decapeptide of kisspeptin-54
- KISS1R (GPR54)On GnRH neurons
- GnRH release → LH and FSHUpstream gatekeeper of the reproductive axis
- Reproductive-axis modelsPreclinical and clinical
Mechanism as described in published research. Nothing here describes an effect in a person — these compounds are supplied for laboratory research use only.
Upstream control of the axis
Kisspeptin acts at KISS1R on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus, and is now understood to be a principal gatekeeper of the reproductive axis — the signal permitting GnRH release, which in turn drives LH and FSH from the pituitary and steroidogenesis downstream.
That position makes it valuable in study design. Because the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has several levels, attributing an effect to one of them requires tools that act at different heights. Kisspeptin-10 acts at the top; HCG acts at the bottom, directly at the LH receptor. Running both allows a study to separate a hypothalamic effect from a gonadal one, which neither compound can do alone.
What the literature covers
Research areas include:
- KISS1R pharmacology and GnRH neuron activation.
- Pubertal onset models, following the receptor mutation findings.
- Axis-level study design — hypothalamic versus gonadal stimulus.
- Metastasis suppression, the original context of the KISS1 gene.
Identity and verification
Kisspeptin-10 has the molecular formula C63H83N17O14 and a molecular weight of 1302.4 g/mol (CAS 374675-21-5). Identifiers matter more here than in most categories: research compounds are sold under trade names, development codes and abbreviations that do not always refer to the same molecule, and a formula is unambiguous where a name is not.
The lot we currently hold measured 99.55% for the 10 mg (lot 261807), tested by Freedom Diagnostics. The certificate is published in full, including the raw chromatogram and mass spectrum — so the number can be read off the underlying trace rather than taken on trust.
We use two laboratories because purity and identity are different questions. Vanguard Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited (A2LA #6377.01.01) and reports chromatographic purity and net quantity with a stated measurement uncertainty. Freedom Diagnostics reports HPLC-UV purity together with LC-MS identity confirmation — the test that catches a substituted compound rather than merely an impure one. A sample can be 99% pure and still be the wrong molecule. How we test →
Handling, reconstitution and storage
Kisspeptin-10 ships lyophilized — freeze-dried to a solid and sealed under vacuum — which is what makes it stable in transit rather than a solution racing a clock. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, added slowly down the inside wall of the vial rather than directly onto the powder, then swirled gently. Do not shake: mechanical shear is one of the few things that reliably degrades a peptide in the lab.
Final concentration is a function of the volume added, not of the compound, so the same vial can be prepared at very different concentrations. The reconstitution calculator works out the volume for a target concentration and the reconstitution guide covers the procedure. Store lyophilized vials at −20 °C (−4 °F) protected from light; refrigerate once in solution, and see the storage and stability guide for how long reconstituted material holds.
Common questions
What is Kisspeptin-10?
The ten-residue C-terminal fragment of kisspeptin, the product of the KISS1 gene. It retains full activity at the kisspeptin receptor, KISS1R.
Why is it also called metastin?
The KISS1 gene was first identified in cancer-metastasis research and named for that. Its role in reproduction was discovered later, when mutations in its receptor were linked to failure of pubertal development.
Where does kisspeptin act in the reproductive axis?
At the top. It acts on KISS1R on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, permitting GnRH release, which drives LH and FSH from the pituitary and steroidogenesis below that.
Why study kisspeptin and HCG together?
They act at opposite ends of the same axis — kisspeptin at the hypothalamus, HCG directly at the LH receptor. Running both is how a study separates a hypothalamic effect from a gonadal one.
Where to get it
Buy research-grade Kisspeptin-10 — independently tested, certificate published, shipped from Miami with cold-chain packaging. Current pricing for every size is on the price list, and we ship worldwide.
Research use only
Everything referenced here is supplied strictly for laboratory research. These compounds are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or medical devices, are not for human or veterinary use, and are not approved for diagnostic or therapeutic application. Mechanisms are described as studied in preclinical and laboratory research; nothing above describes dosing, treatment or clinical outcome.
