HMSO

The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) is an organization responsible for assigning unique and meaningful names to human genes. The HGNC is part of the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) and plays a crucial role in ensuring that gene nomenclature is standardized and universally accepted across the scientific community.

History

The HGNC was established in 1979 as a response to the growing need for a standardized system of gene nomenclature. As the field of genetics expanded, the lack of a consistent naming system led to confusion and inefficiencies in research. The committee was formed to address these issues by developing a systematic approach to naming genes.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the HGNC are:

• To assign unique and standardized names to human genes.
• To ensure that gene names are informative and reflect the function or characteristics of the gene.
• To maintain a comprehensive database of gene names and symbols that is accessible to researchers worldwide.
• To collaborate with other nomenclature committees and databases to ensure consistency across species.

Gene Naming Conventions

The HGNC follows specific conventions when naming genes:

• Gene symbols are typically composed of uppercase letters and numbers, and they are unique to each gene.
• Gene names are descriptive and often reflect the gene's function, location, or associated phenotype.
• The committee avoids using names that are potentially offensive or misleading.

Database

The HGNC maintains a publicly accessible database that contains information on all approved human gene symbols and names. This database is an essential resource for researchers and clinicians, providing up-to-date information on gene nomenclature and related data.

Collaboration

The HGNC collaborates with various international organizations and databases, such as the NCBI and Ensembl, to ensure that gene nomenclature is consistent across different platforms and species. This collaboration is vital for the integration of genetic data in research and clinical settings.

Impact

The work of the HGNC has had a significant impact on the field of genetics by:

• Reducing confusion and errors in genetic research and publications.
• Facilitating communication and data sharing among researchers.
• Enhancing the accuracy and reliability of genetic databases and resources.

Also see

• Human Genome Organisation
• Gene nomenclature
• NCBI
• Ensembl

References

• Official HGNC website
• NCBI
• Ensembl