Temperature-dependent RNA editing in octopus extensively recodes the neural proteome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Ecology

Background:

• Poikilotherms face physiological integration challenges due to temperature fluctuations.
• Coleoid cephalopods, with complex nervous systems, are particularly susceptible to temperature variations.
• RNA editing, specifically adenosine deamination, is a potential mechanism for environmental acclimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of RNA editing in the neural proteome of Octopus bimaculoides in response to temperature changes.
• To identify specific proteins and their functions affected by temperature-induced RNA editing.

Main Methods:

• Massive sequencing and proteomic analysis of Octopus bimaculoides neural tissue after a temperature challenge.
• Structural analysis (crystal structures) and experimental validation of altered protein functions.
• Seasonal sampling of wild-caught octopus specimens to assess in-field temperature-dependent editing.

Main Results:

• Over 13,000 codons in the neural proteome were altered by RNA editing following a temperature challenge.
• Editing significantly reconfigured proteins vital for neural processes, including synaptotagmin and kinesin-1.
• Temperature-dependent RNA editing was observed in wild-caught octopus, indicating natural occurrence.

Conclusions:

• Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a key mechanism for tuning neurophysiological function in response to temperature in octopus.
• This process allows for rapid acclimation and maintenance of function in fluctuating thermal environments.
• RNA editing likely plays a significant role in the adaptation of other coleoid cephalopods to environmental temperature changes.