James Cassat

James Cassat is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University. His research focuses on understanding how bacterial infections and inflammation disrupt skeletal cell biology, particularly in osteomyelitis. He leads the Cassat Lab, which investigates bacterial pathogenesis, host immune responses, and bone remodeling mechanisms using advanced imaging techniques like microCT and mass spectrometry. Key areas include Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors, metabolic adaptations during infection, and therapeutic strategies to combat bone-destructive infections.

Dr. Cassat’s work integrates microbiology, immunology, and biomedical engineering to address clinical challenges in musculoskeletal infections. His lab has developed novel mouse models of osteomyelitis and pioneered imaging approaches to visualize bacterial-host interactions in real time. Research also explores cross-kingdom infections (e.g., Candida-Staphylococcus co-infections) and the role of host factors like hyperglycemia in infection severity.

Publications highlight innovations in antibiotic tolerance mechanisms, osteoclast-driven bone loss, and targeted therapies. Collaborations with engineers and clinicians aim to translate discoveries into diagnostic and therapeutic tools for pediatric and adult patients with bone infections.