Genenames.org: the HGNC and VGNC resources in 2017

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Gene Nomenclature

Background:

• The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) manages human gene symbols and families.
• The HGNC database holds nearly 40,000 approved gene symbols, with over 19,000 for protein-coding genes.
• Gene families are curated based on homology, function, or phenotype.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review updated gene family resources and visualizations from HGNC.
• To report on the establishment and progress of the Vertebrate Gene Nomenclature Committee (VGNC).
• To highlight new developments in gene naming and data distribution for human and vertebrate species.

Main Methods:

• Manual curation of genes into family sets.
• Development of improved visualizations for gene symbol reports.
• Expansion of nomenclature remit to include vertebrate species via the VGNC.
• Pilot project using the chimpanzee genome for gene symbol assignment.

Main Results:

• HGNC website (genenames.org) features updated gene family resources and visualizations.
• VGNC has approved over 14,500 protein-coding gene symbols and names for chimpanzees.
• A dedicated website (vertebrate.genenames.org) has been launched for VGNC data distribution.

Conclusions:

• HGNC and VGNC provide essential resources for standardized gene identification and classification.
• Recent improvements enhance accessibility and utility of gene nomenclature data.
• The expansion to vertebrate species significantly broadens the scope of standardized gene naming efforts.