Kisspeptin (formerly known as metastin) is a protein that is encoded by the KISS1 gene in humans. Kisspeptin is a G-protein coupled receptor ligand for GPR54. Transcripts for human KISS1 are predominantly expressed in the brain and placenta. KISS1 protein contains a polyproline-rich domain (SH3 ligand) and a putative protein kinase C-α phosphorylation site. KISS1 may regulate events downstream of cell-matrix adhesion in mechanisms involving cytoskeletal reorganization. Kisspeptin can stimulate secretion of aldosterone and the release of insulin.
