The Nakamura group focuses on the regulation of the cellular actin cytoskeleton and in particular on the molecular mechanisms of chemical and mechanical signal transduction (mechanotransduction), a conversion of mechanical forces into cellular biochemical signals. Mechanotransduction is essential for many physiological processes in diverse organisms during development and maintenance of all tissues. Defects in mechanotransduction, often caused by mutations or deregulation of proteins that disturb cellular or extracellular mechanics, are implicated in the development of various diseases, ranging from muscular dystrophies and hypertension-induced vascular and cardiac hypertrophy to cancer progression and metastasis. Despite its importance, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of mechanotransduction. The group uses a wide range of techniques including proteomics, microscopy, molecular biology, and cell biology, and appreciate collaboration with expertises in structural biology, mechanical engineering, single molecular analysis, computer simulation, and drug design.