Engineering Basal Cognition: Minimal Genetic Circuits for Habituation, Sensitization, and Massed-Spaced Learning.

ABSTRACT: Cognition is often associated with complex brains, yet many forms of learning─such as habituation, sensitization, and even spacing effects─have been observed in single cells and aneural organisms. These simple cognitive abilities, despite their cost, offer evolutionary advantages by allowing organisms to reduce environmental uncertainty and improve survival. Recent studies have confirmed early claims of learning-like behavior in protists and slime molds, pointing to the presence of basal cognitive functions long before the emergence of nervous systems. In this work, we adopt a synthetic biology approach to explore how minimal genetic circuits can implement nonassociative learning in unicellular systems. Building on theoretical models and using well-characterized regulatory elements, we des

SUBMITTER: Pla-Mauri J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12930500 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature