Hormone · KISS1-derived amidated RFamide neuropeptide
Kisspeptin-54
Also known as KP-54; Kp-54; metastin
The 54-residue KISS1-derived ligand used to study KISS1R activation, peptide processing and neuroendocrine signalling.
- Length
- 54 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Kisspeptin-54 activates KISS1R, historically GPR54, predominantly engaging Gq/11–phospholipase C signalling, intracellular calcium mobilisation and downstream kinase pathways. Its C-terminal region contains the receptor-activating pharmacophore shared with shorter kisspeptins.
- Studied in
- KISS1R-expressing cells, neuronal preparations and rodent genetic models use kisspeptin-54 to investigate receptor signalling, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone circuitry and KISS1-associated cell behaviour.
About Kisspeptin-54
Kisspeptin-54 is an amidated peptide produced by processing the KISS1 precursor; the canonical human precursor contains 145 amino acids. KISS1 was first described in 1996 through metastasis-suppression research, before its peptide products were linked to the orphan receptor GPR54 in 2001. The 54-residue product was named metastin in that early work. Shorter kisspeptins share its C-terminal sequence, with the terminal decapeptide retaining receptor-activating activity in experimental assays under suitable conditions.
KISS1R is a class A G protein-coupled receptor with prominent Gq/11-dependent signalling. Functional assays commonly measure calcium mobilisation, inositol phosphate accumulation or ERK phosphorylation, while neuronal studies examine coupling between kisspeptin-sensitive cells and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone networks. Cell migration and invasion experiments also investigate KISS1-related biology, although precursor expression and isolated-peptide activity are not interchangeable observations. Comparisons among kisspeptin lengths should account for proteolysis, receptor expression and species-specific sequence differences, rather than assuming identical assay behaviour.
Laboratory notes
- Confirm the species sequence, full 54-residue length and C-terminal amidation; shorter kisspeptins are separate reagents.
- Monitor peptide integrity during prolonged incubations, particularly in serum-containing media where proteolysis can complicate comparisons with shorter fragments.
- Use KISS1R-negative controls and document receptor expression; endogenous signalling backgrounds can influence calcium and ERK readouts.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Kisspeptin-54
How is kisspeptin-54 related to kisspeptin-10?
Kisspeptin-10 corresponds to the C-terminal ten residues of kisspeptin-54 and retains KISS1R-activating activity. The longer peptide has an additional 44 N-terminal residues.
Are KISS1 and KISS1R interchangeable names?
No. KISS1 encodes the peptide precursor, whereas KISS1R encodes its receptor, historically called GPR54.
Does the name metastin establish an effect in every cell model?
No. The historical name reflects the discovery context. Receptor expression, precursor processing and experimental design must be evaluated independently. Kisspeptin-54 is for research use only.
Is Kisspeptin-54 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.