Eric Alani

Eric Alani is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and Graduate Fields of Genetics, Genomics & Development and Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology. His research focuses on DNA mismatch repair (MMR) systems and their roles in maintaining genome stability, with implications for hereditary colorectal cancer (HNPCC). The Alani Lab employs genetic, biochemical, single-molecule imaging (TIRF microscopy), and deep sequencing approaches to study MMR mechanisms during DNA replication and recombination.

Research interests include:

• Real-time analysis of MSH/MLH complex behavior on DNA
• Genome-wide mutation profiling in wild-type and MMR mutants
• Molecular evolution of MMR incompatibilities
• Roles of MMR in meiotic crossover formation and chromosome segregation

His publications demonstrate consistent focus on DNA repair mechanisms, recombination dynamics, and genome instability, with recent work emphasizing structural insights into MutL complexes and their enzymatic functions. Key findings include elucidating MLH1-MLH3 endonuclease activation and Exo1's role in meiotic crossover regulation.

Awards include the Carpenter Memorial Advising Award (2009) for mentorship excellence. Dr. Alani has trained 23 PhD students, 8 postdoctoral fellows, and 28 undergraduates, directed NIH training grants emphasizing diversity, and served as Department Chair and editorial board member for GENETICS.

He teaches DNA Biology (BioMG6330), covering replication, repair, and recombination mechanisms, and mentors students through journal clubs and research projects. The lab is located in the Biotechnology Building at Cornell.