Updates to the HGNC Database
Gene Record Field Name Changes
Many records in the HGNC Database link to other databases which contain specialist information about the gene in question. Previously the field in the gene record where these links were displayed was named "Misc. IDs" . This field will be renamed "Specialist Database Links".
Additionally, we are releasing a new 'Name Aliases' field. Previously these were stored as double quoted text in the 'Aliases' field, but will now be moved to the new field. These data will be visible on the searchgenes gene report form and via the downloads page.
These changes will be made in November 2006.
If you require any further information about these changes to our database please email hgnc@genenames.org.
Reciprocal Links
The HGNC has recently added several hundred new reciprocal links from our symbol reports to specialist databases, as mentioned above. These include the Human Kruppel-Zinc Finger Catalog and the Human Intermediate Filament Database. If you know of a specialist database that you feel would complement the HGNC Database please contact us.
HCOP Update
We have now added orthology data from Treefam to the HGNC Comparison of Orthology Predictions (HCOP) tool. Gene records in the HGNC Database now include a link to the relevant HCOP result page, where available.
Upcoming Meetings
IMGC 2006
Matt will be attending the 20th International Mouse Genome Conference held in Charleston, South Carolina, USA from 12th to 16th of November. Matt will be presenting a poster titled "HCOP: The HGNC Comparison of Orthology Predictions Search Tool". |
Hot Topic Update
Potentially Offensive Gene Names
Thank you to all who have responded to our recent Hot Topic on potentially offensive gene names. We have had an overwhelming response and based on the results the HGNC has decided on the following:
Gene symbols will remain the same and, where appropriate, gene names will be modified to a non-offensive form.
As usual all previous gene names and aliases will be retained within the record to keep historical references and to enable cross-database searches.
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain and leucine rich repeat containing family (NLR) nomenclature proposal.
Members of the NLR gene family include: CIITA, CARD15, CARD4, CARD12, CIAS1, BIRC1 and NALP1-14. During the past 6 months the HGNC has invited community discussion on the assignment of a unifying nomenclature for this gene family. We particularly ask your opinion on the issue of nomenclature for CARD4 (alias NOD1) and CARD15 (alias NOD2) and whether the current approved gene nomenclature for these two particular genes should be changed. Details on this nomenclature proposal can be found here. Your thoughts on the final questionnaire are appreciated.
Please email hgnc@genenames.org with any comments or suggestions.
Meetings Attended
Genome Informatics 2006
Matt, Elspeth and Michael attended the Genome Informatics meeting held from 13th to 17th September 2006 at the Wellcome Trust Campus, Hinxton, UK. The poster session provided an excellent opportunity to discuss orthology issues with other researchers including those from Treefam, ZFIN and Ortholuge.
ASHG 2006
Sue and Elspeth attended the recent American Society of Human Genetics meeting in New Orleans (9th to 13th October). Despite a slightly reduced attendance, this was still an exciting meeting and lots of people came to the booth we shared in the exhibit hall with HUGO to discuss nomenclature issues. This also allowed us to solicit further opinions on our recent Hot Topic concerning potentially pejorative gene names.
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