Catherine Merrick

Catherine Merrick is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Cambridge Pathology Department. Her research bridges molecular genetics, cell biology, and parasitology to investigate the biology of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, focusing on DNA replication dynamics, G-quadruplex structures, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying virulence.

• University of Cambridge
• Cambridge Pathology Department

Her work emphasizes:

• Malaria pathogenesis and parasite biology
• G-quadruplex DNA/RNA motifs in gene regulation
• Epigenetic control of virulence gene expression
• Genome stability during replication
• Cell cycle checkpoints in protozoan parasites
• Implications for antimalarial drug development

Recent publications highlight her exploration of DNA replication stress, histone lactylation, and G-quadruplex-targeted therapies across malaria and other pathogens. Her research integrates computational biology, structural analysis, and molecular genetics to address fundamental questions in parasitology and public health.