Neuronal transcriptome of Octopus vulgaris
Transcritome analysis from Cephalopod molluscs
Transcritome analysis from the Central Nervous System (CNS) of Octopus vulgaris. Total RNA was extracted from the retina,supraesophageal mass,optic lobes of Octopus vulgaris. cDNA librarie were generated and sequenced using a 454 platform. This data is part of a comparative effort for cephalopod mollusc.
The cephalopod mollusc, Octopus vulgaris is a classical model to study mechanisms of learning and memory as well as the organization of complex behaviors and independent origin of complex brains. However, nothing is known about the molecular organization of its nervous system. Here, using pyrosequencing approach we performed analysis of transcripts expressed in the central nervous system of Octopus. Specifically, we developed a reduced representation sequencing method that can detect low abundant transcripts. Our method greatly reduces the amount of sequencing with more accurate quantification. Basically, sequential addition of adaptors paired with controlled digestion of cDNA generates a one transcript on read type of analysis. Combined 5’ with 3’ targeted libraries produces greater coverage of individual transcripts and high quality assembly.   Our initial analysis allowed us to identify more than 50,000 of neuronal transcripts including virtually all major components of signal transduction pathways and a diversity of neuropeptides. The developed molecular resources and the ability to map gene expression should allow detailed study of the genomics of this complex brain with the resolution at the level of individual neurons and circuits, and provide a critical bridge between genes, circuits and complex behavior in Octopus and related cephalopod species.