Kisspeptin

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide hormone encoded by the KISS1 gene and the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 (also designated KISS1R). First characterised in the context of metastasis suppression, it later became a focal point in reproductive neuroendocrinology after its essential role in driving GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus was identified.

Research spans nearly two decades, with the compound studied as a master upstream regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The evidence base includes both preclinical mechanistic work and human studies in reproductive endocrinology.