James E. Cassat

James E. Cassat, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Biomedical Engineering, and Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He serves as Associate Director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation (VI4), where his research centers on host-pathogen interactions in invasive bacterial infections, particularly osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Research Interests: Dr. Cassat's work investigates how S. aureus survives in bone, triggers osteoblast cell death, and evades antimicrobial therapy. His lab uses bone cell culture models, proteomics, and in vivo imaging to uncover bacterial virulence factors and host immune defenses. A major focus is on metabolic adaptation, antibiotic tolerance, and polymicrobial interactions involving Candida species.

Publication Trends: His recent publications (2020–2024) span high-impact journals and emphasize the molecular mechanisms of bone infection, metabolic regulation in pathogens, and therapeutic challenges in persistent infections. Key themes include lipid dynamics, arginine restriction-induced tolerance, and cross-kingdom microbial synergism.

Scientific Awards:

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund award
• 2022 Chancellor Faculty Fellow

Advising and Grants: Dr. Cassat leads an active research program supported by extramural funding. He mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, fostering interdisciplinary training in microbiology, immunology, and biomedical engineering. His collaborations span multiple departments and institutions, reflecting the integrative nature of his research.

Labs and Teams: He directs the Cassat Lab (https://www.vumc.org/cassat-lab/), which is embedded within the VI4 and collaborates with the Center for Personalized Microbiology and the Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center. The lab utilizes advanced imaging, molecular genetics, and in vivo models to dissect infection dynamics in bone.