Catherine Clarke is a professor in Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), specializing in the biochemistry of coenzyme Q. She earned her B.S. and Ph.D. in biochemistry from UCLA, completing her doctorate in 1985 with a thesis titled "Regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in rat liver." After postdoctoral training at Princeton University, Clarke joined the UCLA faculty in 1993 as a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where she has advanced research on lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function.

Her laboratory employs yeast mutants, human cell lines, and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to dissect the coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) biosynthetic pathway. Key discoveries include the identification of novel ring precursors such as para-aminobenzoic acid and kaempferol, the role of multi-subunit CoQ-synthome complexes, and genetic links to human diseases like steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome via mutations in COQ6 and ADCK4. Clarke's work has elucidated how CoQ supports mitochondrial respiration, antioxidant defense, and lifespan regulation, with implications for aging and mitochondrial disorders. She has authored over 150 publications, including highly cited papers such as "Target identification using drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS)" (2009, 1204 citations), "The metabolite α-ketoglutarate extends lifespan by inhibiting ATP synthase and TOR" (2014, 742 citations), and "COQ6 mutations in human patients produce nephrotic syndrome with sensorineural deafness" (2011, 478 citations). Her research has garnered more than 12,958 citations according to Google Scholar. In addition to her scientific contributions, Clarke served as the first woman to chair UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry from July 2016 to June 2019. She was appointed Associate Dean for Special Projects in the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences in 2019. Clarke has mentored numerous postdoctoral researchers who have received awards, such as the UCLA Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Awards. In 2024, she received the Alumni Legacy Award from the department.

Professional Email: cathy@chem.ucla.edu