This project investigates a revolutionary idea in biology: that individual cells can learn from experience, much like animals do. While we typically think of cells as following fixed programs written in their DNA, our preliminary work suggests they have the remarkable ability to adapt to new challenges by forming memories of their experiences—essentially, learning.
A prominent example from our work comes from studying how cells survive drug treatment. The conventional Darwinian view is that rare mutants in the population can evade the drug and then multiply. What we have shown, however, is an individual cancer cell can actively learn to be resistant, becoming ever more resistant over time. This learning involves forming associative memories (Pavlovian cells), connecting otherwise unrelated genes in ways that get passed down to future generations.
We will explore two fundamental questions: How do cells store these memories at the molecular level? And why can some cells learn while others can't? We've developed specialized tools, including cells that light up when they form memories and molecular "time machines" that let us trace the history of individual cells. These tools will give us a comprehensive understanding of cellular learning—from the molecular changes that encode and maintain memories to the unique factors and characteristics that determine which cells can learn. We'll create detailed maps of these processes and develop a technical and conceptual roadmap for other scientists to study cellular learning.
Our results could transform our understanding of biology and medicine. If we can understand how cells learn, we might be able to control this process—preventing cancer cells from learning to resist treatment, teaching immune cells to fight infections, or even erasing harmful memories that accumulate as cells age. This work opens up entirely new possibilities for treating diseases by harnessing our cells' natural ability to learn and adapt.
