Mini-review: Microtubule sliding in neurons

•Microtubule sliding (also called microtubule transport) is an unappreciated mechanism that contributes to the establishment, organization and preservation of microtubule arrays in many types of cells.•Microtubule sliding in the axon, once controversial, is now supported by a great deal of evidence, including new findings on its underlying mechanisms.•Microtubule sliding is necessary to supply the microtubule mass needed for growth and upkeep of the axon, as well as for the establishment and preservation of the nearly uniform polarity orientation of the axonal microtubule array.•Microtubule sliding underlies a process known as polarity sorting, in which plus-end-out microtubules are transported anterogradely down the axon to build and maintain the axonal microtubule array, while minus-end-out microtubules are transported back to the cell body to ensure that they do not accumulate in the axon.•Microtubule-sliding forces generated by cytoplasmic dynein are theoretically sufficient for the polarity sorting of axonal microtubules, but complex challenges in the life of the axon require the participation of other players such as static crosslinking proteins and molecular brakes that regulate the capacity of microtubules to slide.•Microtubule sliding is also important for differentiation of dendrites, neuronal migration, branching of axons and dendrites, and growth cone motility and navigation.