Genome dynamics in cephalopods and their functional impact

Complex behavior, development and morphology of cephalopods (octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus) are fascinating to both the scientific community and the general public. The earliest civilizations showed interest in (or fear of) cephalopods and in particular octopus. In the recent years, they became famous as `intelligent` and resourceful animals, that also were attributed `super-natural` abilities (e.g., Paul the Octopus). With the sequencing of the first cephalopod genome (octopus), this group of animals is opening itself to molecular research. Our genome study showed high levels of genomic reorganization and innovation at the base of the cephalopod clade. This proposal utilizes the established model organism, Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes, to, based on the new genome assembly, for the first time study the genomic changes in the cephalopod ancestors at the chromosomal level. With the tools of functional genomics, that will be developed during this project, we will study the gene clusters that are distinguishing cephalopods from all other animal groups. Together with gene expression study we will be able to find where and when those genes are active during development and infer their contribution to novel organ and cell type innovation in cephalopods. This proposal will also allow us to study the origin of novelty in a more general context of multi-cellular animals, as we have comparative data for genome evolution in many other animal groups (e.g, vertebrates and human in particular).

The project focused on establishing genomic tools for cephalopods. It used Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes as the main model system. The project resulted in several key publications that were also featured in several Austrian newspapers and media. One of the most important results of the project is the observation that cephalopod genomes are organized in a different way than many other animal genomes. In particular, genomes of squids and octopus contain many novel "neighborhoods" of genes that appear for the first time in animal evolution. These genes can interact with each other and are expressed in several key tissues of cephalopods, including the nervous system. Knowledge of such novel regions may thus further help us understand how cephalopod genomes work and function.