Max Planck Florida Institute

Research Interests

Exploration of novel mechanisms concerning signal processing and regulation in single neurons and among populations of neurons
Combining traditional electrophysiology with advanced and novel optical techniques to discover fundamental properties of neuronal physiology
Uncovering the underlying mechanisms of rapid synaptic plasticity

Rowan MJM, Ripps H., Shen W. (2010) Fast Glutamate Uptake via EAAT2 Shapes the Cone-mediated Light Offset Response in Bipolar Cells. J. Physiol. 588, 3943-3956.
Rowan MJM, Bulley S., Shen W. Taurine Activation of a Metabotrophic Receptor in Retinal Neurons Enhances Voltage Gated Potassium Channels through PKC. (In submission).
Rowan MJM, Shen W. Cone EAAT2 and EAAT5 are functionally distinct and physically separated in cone photoreceptors. (In submission).

Rowan MJM, Shen W. Unitary release elicits large EAAT5 conductance in cones from adjacent photoreceptors. Paper Presentation, Annual Review of Vision and Ophthalmology, Ft. Lauderdale, May 2011.
Rowan MJM, Shen W. Adjacent Cone Photoreceptors Rapidly Communicate via Glutamate Transporters in the Vertebrate Retina. Paper Presentation, South East Neuroscience Conference, St. Augustine, March 2011.
Rowan MJM, Shen W. Transient Light-Adaptation Enhances Cone Signaling by Suppression of Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter II (EAAT2). Paper Presentation, Annual Review of Vision and Ophthalmology, Ft. Lauderdale, May 2010.
Rowan MJM, Shen W. Glycine Feedback Enhances Glutamate Synapses in Cones through Regulation of Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter II (EAAT2). Paper Presentation, Annual Review of Vision and Ophthalmology, Ft. Lauderdale, May 2009.
Rowan MJM, Shen W. Immunocytochemical Analysis of the On and Off Bipolar Cells of the Retina. Poster Presentation, Annual Review of Vision and Ophthalmology, Ft. Lauderdale, May 2007.