Chromothripsis and the Macroevolution Theory.

International audienceThe recent discovery of a new class of massive chromosomal rearrangements, occurring during one unique cellular event and baptized "chromothripsis," deeply modifies our perception on the genesis of complex genomic rearrangements, but also it raises the question of the potential driving role of chromothripsis in species evolution. The occurrence of chromothripsis appears to be in good agreement with macroevolution models proposed as a complement to phyletic gradualism. The emergence of this unexpected phenomenon may help to demonstrate the contribution of chromosome rearrangements to speciation process