Christine Farr

Dr Christine Farr is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching) at the Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on chromosome biology, particularly on the structural organisation of vertebrate chromosomes and their functional implications, with an emphasis on centromere domains, topoisomerase II activity, and SUMOylation effects.

Christine studied genetics and biochemistry at Queen Mary College (QMC), University of London, earning a BSc and PhD. After postdoctoral work at the Institute of Cancer Research and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, she joined Cambridge as an MRC Senior Research Fellow before securing a university lectureship.

• Key research areas: Chromosome Biology, Centromere Organisation, Topoisomerase II, SUMOylation, Mitotic Chromosome Condensation

Her studies integrate vertebrate somatic cell genetics with advanced cell biology and imaging techniques. She employs conditional knockdown models in DT40 cells to dissect the roles of chromosomally-associated proteins. Her work has revealed structural asymmetry in human X centromeres and topo II cleavage sites in parasitic protozoa, underscoring evolutionary conservation of centromere mechanisms.

Christine welcomes PhD student applications and leads the Farr Research Group. She is affiliated with the University of Cambridge and the Department of Genetics, with a lab address at Downing Street, Cambridge.