Jason M Ridlon

Jason M Ridlon is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Animal Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. He also serves as an Office of Research Fellow and an Affiliate with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology’s Personalized Nutrition Initiative. His research focuses on microbial metabolism, particularly bile acid and steroid metabolism, and the role of gut microbiota in human health. Key contributions include studies on Clostridium scindens as a keystone species in bile acid pathways and the metabolic interactions between gut microbes and dietary components.

Research interests span bile acid metabolism, gut microbiome dynamics, and the impact of dietary nutrients on microbial communities. Recent work emphasizes the functional diversity of Clostridium scindens strains, the role of secondary bile acid derivatives in fecal composition, and the interplay between stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) and gut microbial profiles. His studies often integrate genomic, metabolomic, and ecological approaches to dissect microbial contributions to human physiology.

Publications highlight advancements in understanding microbial steroid metabolism pathways, the genomic basis of bile acid degradation in Clostridium scindens, and the effects of dietary interventions (e.g., walnuts, almonds) on gut microbiota and metabolic outcomes. Collaborative efforts include pangenome analyses of bacterial strains and investigations into the microbial underpinnings of conditions like obesity and colorectal cancer.