The Furukawa Laboratory (HF lab) attempts to understand the molecular basis for cellular signaling initiated by cell surface proteins such as ion channels and receptors in neurobiology and neuro/cancer immunology. How did nature come up with the method to mediate chemistry that takes place at or around the biological membranes? How do cell surface receptors assemble and regulate their functions to elicit cellular signaling? Can defined patterns of molecular assemblies represent neuroplasticity (memory) and neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, etc.)? How does cancer hijack the brain during metastasis? We try to answer these fundamental questions by combining structural biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, and biophysics as we foster future generations of scientists from diverse backgrounds.