HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)

Role and scope

HGNC provides a centralized, curated resource of gene nomenclature for all types of human genes, including protein-coding genes, non-coding RNAs and pseudogenes. The committee works to make gene names informative yet concise, balancing historical usage with the need for clarity and stability. Alongside approved names and symbols, HGNC entries commonly include unique identifiers, cross-references to major sequence and protein databases, and classification into gene families where relevant.

How naming is determined

Names and symbols are proposed, reviewed and approved through a process that seeks expert input and community consultation. Typical elements of the process include:

• Engagement with specialist researchers or clinical experts for a given gene or gene family.
• Checking for conflicts with existing symbols to avoid duplication or misleading similarity.
• Maintaining records of previous symbols and widely used aliases so legacy literature can be interpreted correctly.

The committee publishes guidelines and accepts suggestions for new or revised symbols; these resources and submission routes are described on its website and resource pages (HGNC home, submission guidance).

History, collaboration and data access

HGNC operates within the broader framework of efforts to coordinate human genome information internationally. It collaborates with specialist nomenclature groups, model-organism databases and major sequence resources to ensure consistent cross-references and to align naming across species where appropriate. The HGNC database and downloadable datasets support database curators, bioinformaticians and publishers; further information and symbol reports can be accessed through its online tools (symbol reports).

Importance, examples and best practice

Clear gene nomenclature reduces errors in research, diagnostics and literature searching. Ambiguous historical abbreviations have caused confusion: a short label used in older papers might have been applied to more than one unrelated gene, complicating interpretation. By assigning one approved symbol per gene and preserving records of prior symbols and aliases, HGNC helps users trace terminology across time and resources. The committee also issues recommendations intended to improve clarity in publications and databases (nomenclature recommendations).

Notable distinctions

While HGNC sets human gene nomenclature, nomenclature for genes in other species is typically managed by separate committees or model-organism databases. HGNC therefore emphasizes collaboration and cross-referencing rather than unilateral standardisation across species. Its records are widely used by journals, clinical labs and reference databases to harmonize naming and improve reproducibility in human genetics.

For researchers and clinicians, consulting the HGNC-approved symbol and name for a gene is a practical first step before writing or curating data, since approved names promote consistency and reduce the risk of misidentifying genes in clinical reports, databases and scientific publications.