Scientists link ancient DNA reshuffling to octopus intelligence

Researchers at the University of Vienna found that a massive DNA reorganization hundreds of millions of years ago brought previously separated genomic regions into contact in octopuses, squid and cuttlefish. This may have altered gene regulation and helped drive the evolution of their complex nervous systems. The study was published in Nature Communications.

• The genome reorganization occurred hundreds of millions of years ago
• Flexible chromatin loops differ between species, tissues and stages
• Loops cluster near genes tied to the nervous system
• Stable chromatin domains stayed conserved over long evolution