Kisspeptin14

Kisspeptin-14, or KP-14, is a peptide fragment derived from the KiSS-1 gene product. It consists of 14 amino acids and is one of several kisspeptin isoforms produced by proteolytic processing of the KiSS-1 precursor, alongside shorter and longer forms such as kisspeptin-10, -13, and -54.

Kisspeptin-14 functions as an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 (also known as KISS1R). Binding of kisspeptin-14 to KISS1R on neurons in the hypothalamus stimulates the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn drives the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary. This signaling axis is central to the regulation of puberty and reproductive function. Disruption of kisspeptin signaling can lead to impaired GnRH secretion and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in animal models and humans.

Biologically, kisspeptin peptides are produced in the hypothalamus and other tissues, with KiSS-1 gene products previously described as metastasis suppressors in some cancers. KP-14 is studied mainly as part of the broader kisspeptin signaling system, serving as a research tool to understand GnRH neuron activation, puberty onset, and fertility processes across species.

In clinical and research contexts, kisspeptin-14 is used to explore reproductive physiology and potential therapeutic targets for reproductive disorders. It is not an approved clinical treatment, and its pharmacokinetic properties and potency relative to other kisspeptin isoforms can vary by experimental system. See also Kisspeptin, KiSS-1, GPR54 (KISS1R).