Student NamePayton Bogert
Faculty Mentor NameDr. Dietmar Siemann
CollegeUF Health Cancer Center
MajorBiology
MinorInternational Studies in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Research InterestsI am interested in finding less toxic treatments for pediatric cancers in order to improve long-term survivorship.
Academic AwardsI am a Lombardi Scholar, Wentworth Scholar, a two-time Dean’s list recipient, a Rita O’Connell scholarship recipient, and I have received the Dr. M Lois Murphy Reward.
OrganizationsDRC Ambassadors, Friends for Life, and Luminaries
Hobbies and InterestsStandup comedy, rock climbing, and traveling

Research Project

Evaluating the role of cathepsin inhibition in chemotherapy resistant osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer. Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer related deaths. A key factor in the metastatic process is the presence of proteolytic enzymes that contribute to the development of a vascular network, degrade the extracellular matrix, and increase the cell’s ability to invade. Our lab is specifically interested in a family of proteolytic enzymes called Cathepsins. Primarily, we are interested in Cathepsins L and K. In addition, to their roles in metastasis, recent studies have demonstrated that Cathepsins also play a role in cancel cell resistance to chemotherapy. This project will evaluate the role of cathepsin inhibition on the development and reversal of drug resistance in vitro. We believe that decreasing CTSL/CTSK will increase the efficacy of current chemotherapeutics and improve overall survival for OS patients.