KISS1R (Kisspeptin Receptor), also known as GPR54. is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds kisspeptins, neuropeptides encoded by the KISS1 gene. Discovered in the early 2000s, KISS1R gained attention for its critical role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls puberty onset, reproductive hormone secretion, and fertility. Dysregulation of the KISS1/KISS1R system is linked to reproductive disorders like hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and precocious puberty. Additionally, KISS1R is implicated in cancer biology, as kisspeptins exhibit metastasis-suppressing properties in certain tumors.
Antibodies targeting KISS1R are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in tissues. They enable detection via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, aiding research into receptor distribution in the brain, gonads, and peripheral organs. However, developing specific KISS1R antibodies remains challenging due to the receptor’s structural homology with other GPCRs and low endogenous expression levels. Commercial antibodies vary in reliability, requiring validation with knockout controls or orthogonal methods. Current studies focus on leveraging KISS1R antibodies to explore therapeutic opportunities, such as modulating reproductive health or targeting cancer metastasis pathways. These efforts highlight KISS1R's dual significance in both physiology and disease, driving ongoing interest in refining antibody-based research tools.