Memory and learning in single cells

A fundamental characteristic of living systems is sensing and responsiveness to continuously varying environmental signals. Even seemingly “simple” systems, such as single cells exhibit computational abilities beyond simple stimulus-response. We found that mammalian cells use a form of molecular ‘working memory’ to integrate signals that change over time and space to navigate in complex environments. This working memory also enables sensitization, a basic form of non-associative learning, on the level of biochemical circuits. Our findings suggest that learning is not restricted to nervous systems but represents a general principle of dynamic biological systems.