Scientists Discover Cellular 'Pause Button' Inside Cells

Scientists have discovered a molecular 'pause button' in cells, involving the regulation of the MAP kinase pathway by the protein Capicua and brake genes, which allows embryonic stem cells to enter a reversible dormant state while maintaining their ability to develop into any cell type. This mechanism, observed in various stress conditions, could have implications for understanding diseases like cancer and the general principles of cell survival under stress.