Kisspeptin-10 Mechanism of Action
How Kisspeptin-10 works: receptor targets, signalling pathways, and molecular profile.
Gatekeeper of the HPG Axis
Kisspeptin-10 activates the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor on GnRH-producing neurons in the hypothalamus, triggering pulsatile GnRH release. This in turn drives LH and FSH secretion from the pituitary — placing kisspeptin signaling upstream of essentially the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, making it a master regulatory node for reproductive hormone production.
Puberty and Fertility Research Origin
Kisspeptin signaling was identified as essential for the onset of puberty and normal reproductive function — loss-of-function mutations in the KISS1R gene cause failure to enter puberty. This foundational biology is why kisspeptin-10 is studied in fertility and reproductive endocrinology research, including as a potential tool for triggering ovulation in IVF protocols.