The mission of our lab is to discover magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers that identify pathological changes leading to clinical deterioration in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
To this end, the major focus of our lab is to identify, characterize and quantify disease mechanisms otherwise hidden on conventional clinical imaging. These pathological processes include microglia activation, myelin and axonal injury.
By working in close collaboration with basic scientists and clinicians, our work starts with the histopathological validation of novel MRI methods using postmortem human samples and ends with the application of these innovative and unique techniques in patients with MS.
The Bagnato lab collaborates with several other labs around the world and is part of the North American Imaging in MS Cooperative (NAIMS).
In line with the mission of Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Bagnato Lab strives to promote environments that are affirming, welcoming, equitable, inclusive, and diverse in order to foster a sense of belonging at Vanderbilt and beyond, with the goal of advancing human potential and growth.