Chromosomes, conflict, and epigenetics: chromosomal speciation revisited

Since Darwin first noted that the process of speciation was indeed the "mystery of mysteries," scientists have tried to develop testable models for the development of reproductive incompatibilities-the first step in the formation of a new species. Early theorists proposed that chromosome r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAnnual review of genomics and human genetics Vol. 11; p. 291
Main Authors Brown, Judith D, O'Neill, Rachel J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.2010
Subjects
Animals
Biological Evolution
Chromosomes - genetics
Epigenesis, Genetic
Genetic Speciation
Humans
Karyotyping
Plants - genetics
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Summary:Since Darwin first noted that the process of speciation was indeed the "mystery of mysteries," scientists have tried to develop testable models for the development of reproductive incompatibilities-the first step in the formation of a new species. Early theorists proposed that chromosome rearrangements were implicated in the process of reproductive isolation; however, the chromosomal speciation model has recently been questioned. In addition, recent data from hybrid model systems indicates that simple epistatic interactions, the Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities, are more complex. In fact, incompatibilities are quite broad, including interactions among heterochromatin, small RNAs, and distinct, epigenetically defined genomic regions such as the centromere. In this review, we will examine both classical and current models of chromosomal speciation and describe the "evolving" theory of genetic conflict, epigenetics, and chromosomal speciation.
ISSN:1545-293X
DOI:10.1146/annurev-genom-082509-141554