The signaling cascade of induction and maintenance of ES cell diapause.

Nutrient deficiency during pregnancy in numerous animal species can induce the state of embryonic diapause. Diapause is characterized by changes in protein and gene expression that minimize the organism's reliance on external energy sources and ensure survival. Remarkably, the systematic changes associated with diapause appear to spare the gene expression program that supports embryonic cells' maintenance in the pluripotent state.