Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
09:37
Navigating MARRVEL, a Web-Based Tool that Integrates Human Genomics and Model Organism Genetics Information
Published on: August 15, 2019
Genenames.org: the HGNC resources in 2013.
Kristian A Gray1, Louise C Daugherty, Susan M Gordon
1HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, UK. hgnc@genenames.org
Nucleic Acids Research
|November 20, 2012
Summary
The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) now offers over 33,500 approved human gene symbols, including pseudogenes and non-coding RNAs. Their updated website provides improved usability and unrestricted access to this expanded gene database.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Human Gene Nomenclature
Background:
- The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) is responsible for assigning standardized symbols and names to human genes.
- Gene databases require continuous updates to reflect scientific advancements and discoveries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the expansion of the HGNC database, particularly in naming pseudogenes and non-coding RNA genes.
- To highlight the redesign of the HGNC website (genenames.org) for enhanced user experience.
- To provide an overview of the HGNC's online resources and data accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Database expansion through the systematic naming of pseudogenes and non-coding RNA genes.
- Website redesign focusing on consistent user interface, usability, and readability.
- Public data dissemination with no access or usage restrictions.
Main Results:
- The HGNC database now contains over 33,500 approved gene symbols.
- Gene families and groups have increased to nearly 500, with 45% of entries associated with at least one.
- The redesigned website offers improved navigation and a unified aesthetic.
Conclusions:
- The HGNC continues to expand its curated human gene nomenclature database.
- The updated website enhances public access to comprehensive and user-friendly gene data.
- Unrestricted access promotes broader use of standardized gene information in research.
Related Concept Videos
03:36Genome Annotation and Assembly
The genome refers to all of the genetic material in an organism. It can range from a few million base pairs in microbial cells to several billion base pairs in many eukaryotic organisms. Genome assembly refers to the process of taking the DNA sequencing data and putting it all back together in a correct order to create a close representation of the original genome. This is followed by the identification of functional elements on the newly assembled genome, a process called genome annotation.
02:02Genomics
Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
02:51Multi-species Conserved Sequences
Next-generation sequencing technologies have created large genomic databases of a variety of animals and plants. Ever since the human genome project was completed, scientists studied the genome of primates, mammals, and other phylogenetically distant living beings. Such large-scale studies have provided new insights into the evolutionary relationship between organisms.
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:57Gene Families
Gene families consist of groups of genes proposed to have originated from a common ancestor. Typically these arise through events in which a gene or genes are mistakenly duplicated during cell division. Unlike their parent genes (which are subject to selection pressure to maintain function), these gene copies do not need to preserve their sequences and may evolve at a relatively faster rate.
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
03:00Next-generation Sequencing
The first human genome sequencing project cost $2.7 billion and was declared complete in 2003, after 15 years of international cooperation and collaboration between several research teams and funding agencies. Today, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the cost and time of sequencing a human genome have dropped over 100 fold.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.
Next-Generation Sequencing Methods
Although all next-generation methods use different technologies, they all share a set of standard features.