The risks of using unapproved gene symbols

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Scientific Publishing

Background:

• Effective scientific communication relies on standardized terminology, especially for genes with clinical significance.
• Inconsistent gene symbol usage in publications can lead to significant confusion among researchers.
• The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) provides approved nomenclature for human genes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight instances where non-approved gene symbols have caused confusion between distinct human genes.
• To guide authors on adhering to HGNC-approved nomenclature in their manuscripts.
• To emphasize the utility of HGNC IDs in resolving ambiguity associated with gene alias symbols.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of publication case studies demonstrating nomenclature-related gene confusion.
• Explanation of the HGNC approval process and guidelines for gene symbol usage.
• Discussion of strategies for authors to ensure correct gene nomenclature in submissions.

Main Results:

• Several examples identified where the use of non-HGNC-approved symbols led to the conflation of unrelated human genes in the scientific literature.
• Demonstration of how referencing HGNC IDs effectively disambiguates gene references, even when alias symbols are present.
• Clear pathways outlined for authors to verify and implement correct gene nomenclature.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to HGNC-approved gene nomenclature is essential for preventing ambiguity and ensuring accurate scientific discourse.
• Utilizing HGNC IDs provides a robust solution to the problem of confusing gene alias symbols in publications.
• Promoting standardized gene naming conventions enhances the reliability and reproducibility of genetic research.