Extrachromosomal circular DNA of chromosomal origin (eccDNA) can rapidly shape the evolution and adaptation of mitotically dividing cells such as tumor cells. However, whether eccDNA has a permanent impact on genome evolution through the germline is largely unexplored. Here, we propose that a large fraction of the syntenic changes that are found between mammalian species are caused by germline transposition of eccDNA. We have previously shown the existence of eccDNA in mammalian meiotic cells. By reanalysis of available synteny maps, we now find that up to 6% of mammalian genomes might have rearranged via a circular DNA intermediate. Hence, eccDNA in the germline is expected to have large effects on evolution of gene order.
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