The genome of the California two-spot octopus has been sequenced and analyzed, revealing previously unknown features that shed light on its unique characteristics and abilities. The octopus genome is nearly as large as the human genome, with over 33,000 protein-coding genes versus approximately 20,500 in humans. The study found that the octopus genome has grown primarily through the movement and reorganization of transposons, or "jumping genes." As a result, the proliferation and movement of these transposable genetic elements appear to be driving the octopus genome's expansion, allowing for significant genomic reorganization and expansion when compared to other species. The researchers also discovered that the octopus has a significantly increased number of genes in two specific groups that were previously thought to be only present in vertebrates, implying that these genes play an important role in the octopus' neuronal complexity and development. The researchers discovered hundreds of cephalopod-specific genes, including reflectin genes that allow for rapid changes in iridescence. The octopus genome contains more genes from two distinct families, including protocadherin genes, which regulate nervous system development, and zinc-finger transcription factors, which are involved in brain development. Nearly half of the octopus genome comprises transposons, which are small pieces of DNA that can move around and rearrange the genome.
Researchers also discovered hundreds of octopus-specific genes, many of which are highly expressed in tissues such as the brain, skin, and suckers. The findings lay a solid foundation for future evolutionary research and deeper investigations into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cephalopod-specific traits. Furthermore, the octopus genome simplifies trait studies of cephalopods and serves as an important point on the Tree of Life for comparative evolutionary research. The octopus genome is nearly as large as the human genome, with 2.7 billion base pairs versus 3 billion base pairs for humans. However, the octopus genome contains over 33,000 protein-coding genes, far exceeding the approximately 20,500 found in humans. The study opens up new avenues for future research into the octopus genome and its implications for human development. Studying the octopus genome proved to be intriguing because it could also provide new information about the structure and function of human genes.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/untangling-octopus-genome
This is such a fascinating post! I had no idea the octopus genome was so complex and contained more protein-coding genes than the human genome. I was drawn to this post because I’ve always been fascinated by the high intelligence and unique abilities of octopuses, and your explanation perfectly explained what makes them so extraordinary.
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