[The genetic walk of evolution].

Genetic mutations are the main fuel of evolution. In each generation, they produce new variations, which may be sorted out by natural or sexual selection. Mutations are generated by chance; yet which are the mutations actually sorted out by evolution, and why? This review presents some recent advances regarding this question. First, we gather results obtained at molecular and cellular levels, through synthetic experiments and under artificial selection paradigms. Next, we highlight studies at the multi-cellular level, especially studies of repeated evolution, whereby independent lineages acquire similar traits. Recent meta-analysis and quantifications are being presented; together they suggest that evolutionary relevant mutations accumulate around hotspots, spanning different levels of genetic organization. Pioneering work suggests that many causes, corresponding to many biological contexts, may explain the existence of these genetic hotspots. We finally discuss methodological limits, empirical challenges and a few future potential directions for this domain of research dedicated to the genetic path of evolution. © Société de Biologie, 2014.