Cognitive Stimulation Induces Differential Gene Expression in Octopus vulgaris: The Key Role of Protocadherins.

ABSTRACT: Octopuses are unique invertebrates, with sophisticated and flexible behaviors controlled by a high degree of brain plasticity, learning, and memory. Moreover, in Octopus vulgaris, it has been demonstrated that animals housed in an enriched environment show adult neurogenesis in specific brain areas. Firstly, we evaluated the optimal acclimatization period needed for an O. vulgaris before starting a cognitive stimulation experiment. Subsequently, we analyzed differential gene expression in specific brain areas in adult animals kept in tested (enriched environment), wild (naturally enriched environment), and control conditions (unenriched environment). We selected and sequenced three protocadherin genes (PCDHs) involved in the development and maintenance of

SUBMITTER: Maselli V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7465212 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature