MicroRNAs discovered as direct relation to intelligence in octopus brain

Octopuses also referred to as soft bodied cephalopods are invertebrates with a very complex nervous system. In a recent study referred to in the article; MicroRNAs are deeply linked to the emergence of the complex octopus brain , elevated RNA editing in the nervous tissue was related to RNA regulation and the large role it plays in cognitive function and success among this species. More specifically the miRNA were expressed more frequently in the adult's neuronal tissues and during development suggesting that the miRNAs are in direct correlation with the evolution of complexity in animal's brains. 

In agreeance that microRNAs are a key contributor to complexity in brains is Michael Le Page in the article; Octopus brains may have become complex the same way human brains did. High intelligence in many species is being directly correlated with high numbers of microRNAs and their ability to generate different types of neurons. Although, these invertebrates evolved completely separately from invertebrates the microRNAs both became present in animals with complex brains. I find it important to recognize others species intelligence and brain complexity in order to understand how humans and other species evolved into todays present species. It is also important moving forward how it will increase complexity and in what species. 

 

Genetically Altered Squid May Pave the Way to New Research Methods

Image shows normal coloration/pigmentation in squid on the left and genetically altered squid on the right 

 Cephalopods have been studied extensively in the field of neurobiology. When conducting research, scientists always have had trouble figuring out the genetics to many unique traits that cephalopods have. Specifically, their ability to change color and texture of their skin as well as their intellectual level. Not being able to see the genomic structure of some of these processes have left scientists stumped. In this article, they talk about how scientists were finally able to alter the gene for coloration in squid. After figuring out how to accurately inject genetic information to developing embryos, scientists were able to alter the coloration in newly developed squid. By being able to do this, they are finally able to start understanding cephalopods at a genetic level. This is extremely important in the neurobiological field as cephalopods are studied extensively for their unique traits. This allows scientists to understand the processes as a whole as well as being able to further enhance studied to grasp a better understanding as to how and why these processes occur. 

    Cephalopods have always been interesting to me and I love reading about them in my own time. Seeing that scientists have been able to finally open the world of genetics into cephalopods is truly an exciting time. These creatures have a complex world of their own, which is highly studied especially on a neurological standpoint. Their intelligence levels are remarkable and their ability to also change color and texture of their skin is so unique. To be able to finally see these traits in a genetic level will help with research in many ways. Understanding their cognition and neural function on a genetic level may be able to help with projects in the neuroscience and medical fields. 

Link to the article

Link to supporting articles: NPR article