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Published on: May 9, 2017
Genenames.org: the HGNC and VGNC resources in 2019
Bryony Braschi1, Paul Denny1, Kristian Gray1
1HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, UK.
The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) and Vertebrate Gene Nomenclature Committee (VGNC) provide unique gene names for humans and vertebrates. Recent updates include website redesign and expanded gene group classifications for better data accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Gene Nomenclature
Background:
- The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) manages human gene symbols, with over 40,000 approved entries.
- The Vertebrate Gene Nomenclature Committee (VGNC) was established to standardize nomenclature for vertebrate species.
- The HGNC website (genenames.org) has been redesigned for improved user experience and mobile compatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the HGNC and VGNC's online data and resources.
- To highlight recent advancements in gene naming for human and vertebrate species.
- To detail updates to the HGNC website and the expansion of gene group classifications.
Main Methods:
- Assignment of unique gene symbols and names by HGNC for human genes.
- Standardized nomenclature assignment by VGNC for vertebrate species, including chimpanzee, cow, dog, and horse.
- Website redesign focusing on simplified navigation, mobile-friendliness, and enhanced search tools.
Main Results:
- Over 19,000 protein-coding genes named by HGNC.
- VGNC has named over 15,000 chimpanzee genes and more than 14,000 genes each in cow and dog, and over 13,000 in horse.
- HGNC website redesign completed, featuring a streamlined homepage and over 1200 gene groups, with nearly half of named genes assigned to a group.
Conclusions:
- The HGNC and VGNC continue to expand standardized gene nomenclature across species.
- Recent website and data structure improvements enhance accessibility and usability of gene information.
- The growing number of gene groups facilitates better organization and retrieval of gene family data.
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