Microtubule function in pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells

Cultured mouse embryonic stem cells can be maintained in a naïve pluripotent state, meaning the cells can give rise to all lineages of the embryo proper while self-renewing through rapid proliferation. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the role of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton in pluripotency maintenance. We focus on intercellular bridge MTs, as these are prominent, long-lasting structures that arise during cytokinesis yet maintain the connection between dividing sister cells into the next cell cycle. We describe how MT stability sets cytokinesis duration and how this may influence pluripotency maintenance, division symmetry, midbody inheritance, and abscission. Together, these findings highlight an emerging paradigm: MTs are not merely structural scaffolds but active players in stem cell maintenance.