Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Ultrasound modified flaxseed protein-rice starch composite system for texture-modified soft gels: structural, functional, and swallowing properties.

Ultrasonics sonochemistry·2026
Same author

An Emerging Disease of Leaf Spot Caused by Paramyrothecium vignicola on Soybean in China.

The plant pathology journal·2026
Same author

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome reveal <i>Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae</i> -induced lipid accumulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy imbalance in the liver of pigs.

Virulence·2026
Same author

Characterization of <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> Species Complex Isolates Associated with Pea Fusarium Wilt in China.

Plant disease·2026
Same author

Selective Antimicrobial Activity of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water: Differential Effects on Harmful and Beneficial Bacteria in Microbial Fermentation Systems.

Environmental microbiology·2026
Same author

Conservation Tillage-Mediated Rhizosphere Microbial Community Remodeling Drives Soil Organic Carbon Accumulation and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Transformation in Farmland.

Microorganisms·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
09:30

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

13.4K

Imiquimod (R837), a TLR7-Specific Agonist, Regulates Boar Sperm Motility via PI3K/GSK3α/β/Hexokinase Pathway.

Weijing Zhang1, Adedeji O Adetunji2, Wenxian Zeng3

  • 1College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.

Biology
|September 27, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist R837 inhibits boar sperm motility by affecting energy metabolism. This study identified TLR7 localization and its role in regulating sperm function via the PI3K-GSK3β pathway.

Keywords:
R837TLR7boar spermglycolysis

More Related Videos

Development of an Economical DNA Delivery System by "Acufection" and its Application to Skin Research
09:42

Development of an Economical DNA Delivery System by "Acufection" and its Application to Skin Research

Published on: April 19, 2017

7.8K
Mouse Round Spermatid Injection
08:41

Mouse Round Spermatid Injection

Published on: January 26, 2024

1.4K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
09:30

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

13.4K
Development of an Economical DNA Delivery System by "Acufection" and its Application to Skin Research
09:42

Development of an Economical DNA Delivery System by "Acufection" and its Application to Skin Research

Published on: April 19, 2017

7.8K
Mouse Round Spermatid Injection
08:41

Mouse Round Spermatid Injection

Published on: January 26, 2024

1.4K

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Immunology
  • Cellular Metabolism

Background:

  • Mammalian sperm rely on glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for energy.
  • Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists, like imiquimod (R837), are known to reduce sperm motility.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms of TLR7 action in boar sperm remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of R837 on boar sperm motility.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which TLR7 modulates boar sperm function.
  • To determine optimal conditions for R837-induced sperm motility inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Incubation of boar sperm with varying concentrations of R837 (0-0.8 µM) over time (30, 60, 90 min).
  • Localization studies using immunofluorescence (IF) to identify TLR7 expression in sperm.
  • Assays to assess glycolytic hexokinase activity, mitochondrial function, and sperm motility.
  • Analysis of the PI3K-GSK3β signaling pathway.

Main Results:

  • TLR7 is primarily localized in the middle piece of the boar sperm tail, with lower expression in the neck.
  • Approximately 50% of boar sperm samples expressed TLR7.
  • R837 modulated hexokinase activity and mitochondrial function via the PI3K-GSK3β pathway.
  • R837 selectively inhibited lower-layer sperm motility without affecting upper-layer sperm.
  • Optimal inhibition occurred at 0.2 μM R837, 37 °C for 60 min, preserving acrosome and plasma membrane integrity.

Conclusions:

  • TLR7 plays a critical role in regulating boar sperm energy metabolism and motility.
  • R837 is a potent modulator of boar sperm function, impacting motility through specific signaling pathways.
  • Understanding TLR7's role provides insights into sperm physiology and potential targets for reproductive technologies.