# Investigating the role of system xc- in glutamate, glutathione and synapse homeostasis in vivo

> **NIH NIH R01** · SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $150,000

## Abstract

Principal Investigator/Program Director (Last, First, Middle): Hewett, Sandra J.
A. Project Summary: My laboratory seeks to elucidate the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that
underlie both cell death and protection as well as the normal physiological function of the CNS with a
focus on astrocyte-neuron interactions and the role of System xc-. I am recognized at both the national
and international levels for my work using innovative in vitro and in vivo models and tools, several of
which my laboratory developed. My research program has enjoyed uninterrupted funding from the NINDS
since 1997. While a faculty member at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC - 1996-2011), I
successfully trained three Master’s students, two PhD students, and two MD-PhD students─ the latter two
performed their graduate training in my laboratory—and two post-docs. Since arriving at Syracuse (2011),
I’ve successfully trained three Master’s students, one PhD student and three post-docs, exclusive of the
applicant. I also have mentored 29 undergraduates —nearly half of whom are from groups
underrepresented in STEM — in my laboratory during the academic year and summers since joining SU,
many of whom have matriculated into top M.S and PhD programs [e.g., UPENN (3), U Miami, Drexel,
Tufts, and Duke]. I have been successful in facilitating and/or securing NIH or other competitively awarded
support for my trainees’ career development. My PhD students have gone on to prestigious post-docs
[e.g., Yale (2), UCSD, UCLA, UCSF]. All of my trainees remain in academic, industrial science or
medicine. I was recently informed that I have received a 2020 NINDS Landis Award for Outstanding
Mentorship, which is the basis for this supplement.
PHS 398/2590 (Rev. 09/04, Reissued 4/2006) Page Continuation Format Page

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10214720
- **Project number:** 3R01NS105767-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** SANDRA J HEWETT
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $150,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10214720

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10214720, Investigating the role of system xc- in glutamate, glutathione and synapse homeostasis in vivo (3R01NS105767-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10214720. Licensed CC0.

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