In synthetic biology, genes can be designed and engineered to respond to signaling molecules and to regulate the expression of other genes in such a way that they could perform logic functions. Analogous to computer circuits, these interconnected networks of genes are called gene circuits and can be used to engineer and program cellular functions. As living cells are constantly sensing and sampling environmental cues that they receive, we introduce a synthetic memory device to track the history of signal changes over time at the single-cell level. Here, we demonstrate a modular design for heritable, stable, and interoperable memory device called Yeast Homologous Synthetic Counter (YouSync). We leverage this computing module and scalable design to create the first ever binary cellular recorder in living cells. By using this system, we could track cellular events that occur in a particular order, create environmental sensors that store complex histories, or program cellular trajectories.

YouSync presents a pioneering technology by utilizing CRISPR/Cas-mediated cellular computing and memory systems engineered from yeast mating-type switches. The technical platform describes a significant technical and conceptual advance for in vivo computing and memory technologies. YouSync is modular and can be used to program logic and memory operations in mammalian cells; thereby allowing sequential and time-dependent memory operations. Additionally, genetic recording by YouSync is an emerging useful method for studying cell lineages and temporal biological processes in living cells. YouSync offers an alternative, cost-effective approach for encoding logic and memory operations in living cells.

Analogous to computer circuits, the interconnected networks of genes are called gene circuits and can be used to engineer and program cellular functions. As living cells are constantly sensing and sampling environmental cues that they receive, we introduce a synthetic memory device to track the history of signal changes over time at the single-cell level. Here, we demonstrate a modular design for heritable, stable, and interoperable memory device called Yeast Homologous Synthetic Counter (YouSync). We leverage this computing module and scalable design to create the first ever binary cellular recorder in living cells. By using this system, we could track cellular events and create environmental sensors that store complex histories, or program cellular trajectories.