kisspeptinbased

Kisspeptin-based refers to approaches that use kisspeptin peptides or their signaling pathway to influence reproductive and related physiological processes. Kisspeptins are a family of peptides encoded by the KISS1 gene, with kisspeptin-54 (also called metastin) being the most studied form. These peptides act through the G protein-coupled receptor KISS1R (also known as GPR54) to regulate the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

Mechanism of action involves kisspeptin-producing neurons in the hypothalamus stimulating GnRH neurons, promoting GnRH pulses that drive the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary. This signaling axis is essential for puberty onset and the maintenance of reproductive function. Kisspeptin signaling also interacts with other regulators of the GnRH pulse generator, and its activity can be influenced by metabolic and hormonal signals.

In clinical development, kisspeptin-based approaches have potential applications in reproductive medicine. Kisspeptin-54 has been explored as a trigger for ovulation in assisted reproductive technology to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and it is under investigation for other aspects of fertility preservation and treatment. Beyond fertility, kisspeptin signaling is studied as a diagnostic tool for certain GnRH deficiencies and as a means to modulate puberty timing in disorders of pubertal development.

Other areas of research examine the role of the KISS1/KISS1R system in cancer biology, where KISS1 has been reported to act as a metastasis suppressor in some cancers, and as a potential prognostic biomarker in others. Challenges for kisspeptin-based applications include peptide stability, delivery methods, and variability in responses among individuals. Overall, kisspeptin-based strategies represent an active and evolving field in endocrinology and translational medicine.