- Marine Ecosystems and oRganisms reSEArch Lab
Post-reproductive neurodegeneration in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis: identification of molecular mechanisms
The cuttlefish is a short life-cycle cephalopod (20–22 months) that exhibits rapid central nervous system (CNS) degeneration, referred to as post-reproductive degeneration, characterized by rapid aging whose immediate consequence is the abrupt cessation of spawning and the death of females that are otherwise still fertile. The various effects observed during the critical phase will be studied through 3 non-exclusive working hypotheses using approaches combining transcriptomics, proteomics, peptidomics, and immunohistochemistry:
A first hypothesis related to the loss of perception observed in the animal at the end of its life will be explored. Thus, the identification and expression monitoring of central nervous system biomarkers potentially involved in neuronal aging mechanisms will be performed at 2 key periods of the cuttlefish life cycle: subadult and degenerating individuals (end of life).
The second hypothesis concerns the involvement of the neuroendocrine system. For this research axis, the expression of 38 neuropeptide/neurohormone families identified by the PHYPAQ team will be monitored during the two key periods mentioned previously. Certain families likely involved in feeding behaviors will be given particular attention.
Finally, certain lesions observable in degenerating animals may indicate a failure of the immune system. Thus, a comparative analysis of the white body (hematopoietic organ) using NGS expression monitoring will identify any potential disruptions at this level.