For the study, the researchers first looked for mRNAs at the feet, which are also known as focal adhesions. But Boraas and her colleagues, looking at two different cell types, found 1oo to 200 mRNAs at cells’ focal adhesions. The meeting of the two appears to be necessary for proper cell migration. “And changing the mRNA recruited to the focal adhesions also changed how the cells migrated.”One aspect of cell migration — cell speed — is driven largely by the size of the cells’ feet. “It’s possible that by introducing different types of mRNA in a localized manner, we could either promote or inhibit cell migration depending on what’s needed in a particular context,” said Boraas.