Milstein Lecture 2025: Mechanisms driving the rapid evolution of genomes by David Pellman

César Milstein Lecture 2025 By David Pellman Mechanisms driving the rapid evolution of genomes Read more about David's research here: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/2025-c... Lecture Abstract: Abstract: Genome evolution has long been viewed as a gradual process, with small-scale genetic alterations accruing over many generations. However, it is now appreciated that saltatory mutational events, driving rapid evolution, can be layered onto gradual Darwinian evolution. These episodic events are particularly common in cancer, where they generate highly rearranged genomes. At least some of these processes cause human congenital disease, can be passed through the germline, and may contribute to organismal evolution. My group has contributed to this paradigm by identifying mechanisms and consequences of these catastrophic mutational events, linking them to common errors in cell division. My talk will focus on the mechanism of chromothripsis, a catastrophic mutational process that originates from aberrations in the architecture of the nucleus. I will focus on the processes that fragment chromosomes during chromothripsis. -- About the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB): The LMB is one of the world's leading research institutes. Discoveries and inventions developed at the LMB, for example DNA sequencing and methods to determine the structure of proteins, have revolutionised all areas of biology. Our scientists work to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level. This information will help us to understand the workings of complex systems, such as the immune system and the brain, and solve key problems in human health. More links: Official Site: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ Facebook:   / mrc.lmb   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mrclmb.bsky.... Instagram:   / mrc_lmb   LinkedIn:   / mrc-laboratory-of-molecular-biology   Click here to subscribe to MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LMBCambr...