Nomenclature in Other Species

The HGNC co-ordinates with the Mouse Genomic Nomenclature Committee to assign parallel gene nomenclature to orthologous human and mouse genes, where possible. In the process of determining orthology with the mouse, orthologous genes in other mammalian species are often examined. Species-specific genes within these genomes will also need official symbols and names.

At present the Ensembl Genome Browser makes automated projections for orthology prediction and nomenclature, the HGNC assignments would be hand curated, as they are for human genes.

Mammalian species with a nomenclature committee: human, mouse, rat.

Example mammalian species currently without a nomenclature committee: chimp, macaque, dog, cow, opossum.

If you think any of these species already has a gene nomenclature inititative or committee, please let us know and if you know someone who works on one of these species and who might be interested in gene nomenclature, please tell them about this page and ask them to email us.

Please respond to the following question:

Should the HGNC consider naming genes (orthologous and species-specific) in mammalian species where a dedicated nomenclature committee does not exist?

Please email your comments and suggestions to us at: hgnc@genenames.org