GNAS2009 Abstract #3 - Shimoyama, Mary

Nomenclature Assignment, Review and Resolution at the Rat Genome Database

Mary Shimoyama

The Rat Genome Database assigns or approves official nomenclature for all genes, mutations, genetic markers, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and strains for rat.  Guidelines for gene nomenclature have been developed in conjunction with the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee and International Committee on Standardized Genetic Nomenclature for Mice.   Guidelines for naming QTL, genetic markers, alleles, mutations and strains were also developed in conjunction with the International Committee on Standardized Genetic Nomenclature for Mice and all guidelines are available on the RGD website.  Data submission processes and online forms also allow researchers to submit QTL and strain information for nomenclature assignment prior to publications.  HGNC, MGD and RGD share an ortholog dataset in order to coordinate gene names and identity.   An automated pipeline updates ortholog relationships regularly at RGD while an automated nomenclature tool alerts curators to discrepancies in symbols and names among the three organisms. This allows curators to make necessary changes in a timely manner.  In addition, RGD, MGD and HGNC work with community groups to standardize nomenclature for targeted gene families.  Nomenclature changes are tracked on gene, strain, QTL and other reports with previous symbols and names being kept as aliases to facilitate search and retrieval.  Official nomenclature for rat is integrated into EntrezGene, UCSC and other resources through data exports.  RGD' s collaboration with HGNC and MGD along with automated QC and nomenclature curation software has allowed it to assign official nomenclature in a timely manner.