The Hugo Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) is an authoritative organization responsible for establishing and maintaining consistent and standardized gene names for human genes. It is part of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO), dedicated to promoting and coordinating efforts in understanding the human genome and advancing genomics research.
The HGNC was established with the aim of avoiding confusion and ensuring clarity in gene nomenclature, particularly considering that genes often have various names given by different research groups or have names that are ambiguous or poorly defined. The committee's primary objective is to assign unique and informative gene symbols and names to human genes.
The HGNC carefully reviews and documents gene names based on a set of criteria and guidelines. These guidelines take into account factors like the function of the gene, its orthology to similar genes in other species, and any historical or published associations. After due consideration, the HGNC assigns a unique gene symbol and name that provide a concise representation of the gene's characteristics.
The committee's work plays a vital role in facilitating effective communication among researchers, clinicians, and the wider scientific community. With a consistent and universally accepted naming system, collaboration, data sharing, and cross-referencing become more efficient and accurate. This standardization is of utmost importance in genomics research, where gene names are constantly referenced in scientific publications, databases, and medical literature.
The HGNC serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing an authoritative and reliable reference for accurate and up-to-date human gene nomenclature. With ongoing advancements in genomics, the HGNC continues to play a fundamental role in maintaining a coherent and accessible gene naming system, contributing to the progress of biomedical research and understanding human genetics.
