Recent research reveals that memory mechanisms, once thought exclusive to neurons, also operate in non-neuronal cells, such as kidney cells. This finding may reshape our understanding of memory and learning in biological systems.
Historically, memory has been a complex subject, with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle describing it as inscribed on wax tablets. The scientific study of memory began in the 19th century with Hermann Ebbinghaus, who identified the spacing effect, where learning is enhanced when study sessions are spaced out over time.
Studies have confirmed this effect in various organisms, including sea slugs and cultured neurons. Ebbinghaus's findings indicate that spaced learning leads to better retention compared to cramming.
Neuroscientist Nikolay Kukushkin from New York University explored whether this spacing effect could be observed in non-neuronal cells. Using modified kidney cells that produce a measurable light in response to the activation of the CREB protein, Kukushkin’s team found that these cells also benefit from spaced stimuli. Four pulses of three minutes, separated by ten minutes, resulted in more light production than a single long pulse.
This study, published in Nature Communications, is the first to demonstrate a complex memory-like effect in non-neuronal cells, suggesting that all cells may possess fundamental learning capabilities.
Additionally, a recent study from Harvard University and the Center for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona utilized computational models to show how individual cells recall past experiences, influencing future responses. Rosa Martínez-Corral, the study's lead, noted that this could represent a form of cellular memory, allowing cells to react promptly while shaping future behavior.
These insights into cellular memory mechanisms could enhance our understanding of memory processes and offer new strategies for improving learning and addressing memory-related issues. Furthermore, they may provide insights into overcoming resistance to treatments, as cancer cells can learn to tolerate chemotherapy, and the immune system can become accustomed to cancerous cells. Thus, exploring memory beyond the brain may yield valuable answers to fundamental biological questions.