Latest Articles

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  Section: Genomics ; Topics: Genetics/genomics

  The identification of the replicative helicase loader gene dciA within the Helicobacter pylori genome challenges current replication initiation models for this bacterium

  Brézellec, Pierre  

  10.24072/pcjournal.682 - Peer Community Journal, Volume 6 (2026), article no. e16

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  At the onset of bacterial chromosome replication initiation, replicative helicases are loaded onto DNA, a process requiring helicase loaders. While organisms documented as lacking a helicase loader are rare, the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori is a notable exception. Here, relying mainly on genomic synteny and AlphaFold, I demonstrate that the well-documented helicase loader gene dciA is present in the H. pylori genome and co-localizes with the uvrC gene (excinuclease ABC subunit C), which highlights the limitations of the usual methodology used to identify dciA. I then provide evidence showing that this finding seriously challenges the two main current chromosome replication initiation models in this bacterium. Given that virulent strains of H. pylori pose a significant threat to human health, contributing to various gastric and non-gastric disorders, including certain cancers, I conclude that a deeper understanding of replication initiation in H. pylori could facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

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  Section: Microbiology ; Topics: Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology

  Ecophylogenetic patterns of rhizosphere bacterial community assembly in Pisum spp. (Fabaceae, Fabeae) reveal strong plant-mediated ecological filtering

  Angot, Victor;   Pailler, Vincent; Kebieche, Abdelhamid; Belmonte, Elodie;   Bourion, Virginie;   Bouchenak-Khelladi, Yanis  

  10.24072/pcjournal.685 - Peer Community Journal, Volume 6 (2026), article no. e15

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  Plant-microorganisms interactions are among the oldest biotic relationships and play a fundamental role in shaping biological systems. These associations involve several and diverse species, each evolving on different timescales. Understanding these interactions requires approaches that integrate both ecological community dynamics and evolutionary processes, which drive the adaptation of plants and microorganisms. We investigated bacterial community assembly dynamics associated with four diverse Pisum spp. accessions grown in greenhouse conditions on soil. Bacterial DNA was extracted from bulk soil, rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endosphere microhabitats across three plant growth stages, followed by full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacterial communities varied in diversity, composition and structure across microhabitats and growth stages. Ecophylogenetic analyses, that is integrating community ecology dynamics into a phylogenetic framework, indicated strong host-filtering, with community assembly across space and time being structured by phylogenetic constraints. This illustrates the role of the plant in creating and shaping distinct ecological niches, where selective recruitment favors specific and closely related lineages. Our findings suggest that an ecophylogenetic approach provides valuable insights into plant-microbiota dynamics by integrating ecological and evolutionary processes, thereby offering a powerful perspective to investigate the co-adaptation of plants and their associated microbiota.

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  Section: Health & Movement Sciences ; Topics: Psychological and cognitive sciences, Health sciences

  Self-determination theory in physiotherapy practice: A rapid review of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews

  O'Neil, Jennifer;   van Ierssel, Jacquie;   Pelletier, Luc

  10.24072/pcjournal.680 - Peer Community Journal, Volume 6 (2026), article no. e14

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  Background: The self-determination theory (SDT) is a theory on motivation proposing to support needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness to improve autonomous motivation, which leads to adherence and compliance. Little is known about how SDT-driven physiotherapy interventions are implemented. Purpose: The objectives of this rapid review were to identify the type of physiotherapy contexts in which SDT is being used and describe how SDT-based physiotherapy interventions are being measured. Methods: The Cochrane Rapid Review Methods was followed to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews (SR) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of SDT-related research in physiotherapy. We conducted a search on four databases between 1990 and September 17th, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, one reviewer completed the full-text screening while another screened all excluded full-text to ensure consensus. Findings were synthesized narratively following the review objectives. Results: Of 184 identified SR or RCT, we included 8 RCTs (n=457) and 1 SR (n=712) targeting various health conditions for children and adults (i.e., cerebral palsy, adults with chronic health conditions). Physiotherapy interventions included strength and aerobic exercises, therapeutic modalities, yoga or tai chi, virtual therapy, coaching, and equine-assisted therapy. SDT techniques included communication training, autonomy supportive feedback, education and goal-setting, provision of choices, and intrinsic motivation with the use of virtual reality, robotics, circus-themed games, music, and behaviour change strategies. A positive impact of SDT-driven physiotherapy interventions was seen for adherence, engagement, acceptance, physical activity, and intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: Our rapid review suggests that SDT-driven physiotherapy is being used across a broad range of health conditions, using various physiotherapy and SDT principles derived from the theory.

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  Section: Genomics ; Topics: Genetics/genomics

  In silico evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein may target coiled-coil regions of numerous cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated proteins

  Brézellec, Pierre  

  10.24072/pcjournal.681 - Peer Community Journal, Volume 6 (2026), article no. e13

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  Understanding the interactions between host and viral envelope proteins is essential to get insights into the dynamics of viral infection. To investigate more closely the mechanisms governing SARS-CoV-2 entry and intracellular trafficking, I reanalyzed the most extensive SARS-CoV-2–human protein–protein interactome dataset currently available. My investigation centered on the Spike S protein, a key player in initiating viral infection by binding to the host cell membrane receptor Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). I first present evidence demonstrating the statistical overrepresentation of actin-binding proteins among the Spike S partners/interactors. Next, I show that a majority of these partners contains a structural domain sharing high similarity with the C-terminal region of the Myosin II heavy chain, Myosin II being known for its roles in muscle contraction and various cellular motility processes. I subsequently demonstrate that this domain is particularly prevalent in actin-binding proteins, intermediate filaments proteins and kinesins, which all are related to the cytoskeleton known to be involved in diverse cellular functions, including endocytosis and intracellular transport — processes crucial for viral infections. Finally, I highlight that the structural domain mentioned above is a bonafide coiled-coil region. I therefore conclude that Spike S might target proteins possessing such regions. Collectively, my findings suggest that the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 Spike S and human proteins, potentially mediated by coiled-coil regions, may have been underestimated. As this work relies on in silico evidence, direct biological extrapolations require caution.