Getting into the cilia: nature of the barrier(s).

The primary cilium that protrudes from the plasma membrane of many eukaryotic cell types is very much a cellular organelle in its own right. Its unique membrane and luminal composition is effectively compartmentalized by diffusion barrier at its base, known as the transition zone. Recent works have now shed light on the molecular components of this diffusion barrier, and revealed intriguing functional similarities with other better characterized cellular barriers.