Abstract:
Kisspeptin is a 54- amino acid peptide that acts as a ligand of a receptor called GPR54 which is basically a
transmembrane receptor that spins seven times across the cell membrane and coupled with G-protein. Kisspeptin
regulates the development of reproductive functions and the onset of puberty in human and other mammals by acting at
the brain, hypothalamus, pituitary and gonad levels of reproductive axis. Kisspeptin is also involved in regulation of
trophoblastic invasion during pregnancy, ovulation, and sperm hyperactivation. Inactivating mutations in human
kisspeptin gene (KISS1) cause idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Some mutations in human kisspeptin
receptor gene (KISS1R) make the receptor inactive which result in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Some
mutations in human KISS1R gene make the receptor prematurely activated and result in the development of central
precocious puberty. Central precocious puberty is also caused by some mutations in human KISS1 gene that make the
kisspeptin resistant to degradation. This leads to an increased basal kisspeptin level and subsequently the development of
central precocious puberty. Higher kisspeptin level has been detected in the serum and plasma of central precocious
puberty patients, which suggest that serum or plasma kisspeptin level can be used as a marker for diagnosis of central
precocious puberty.
