Human gene nomenclature database (HGNC)

Human gene nomenclature database (HGNC) assigns unique symbols and names to human genes to provide standardized identifiers for genomic research and data integration.

Key Features:

• Standardized nomenclature: Assigns unique gene symbols and names to human genes to provide unambiguous identifiers.
• Curated database content: Maintains a curated database of over 39,000 human gene entries with more than 5,000 additions in two years.
• Search functionality: Implements a faster and more powerful search functionality for locating gene information.
• HCOP (Human Complex Orthologous Protein): Provides an upgraded HCOP tool for identifying orthologs across species.
• REST service: Exposes data via a REST service for programmatic retrieval.

Scientific Applications:

• Gene nomenclature and identification: Supplies standardized symbols and names to enable consistent gene identification across studies.
• Comparative genomics: Supports ortholog identification across species using HCOP for comparative genomics analyses.
• Data integration: Standardized identifiers and a REST API facilitate integration of genomic data across databases and workflows.
• Evolutionary studies: Enables evolutionary and orthology-focused studies through curated gene entries and HCOP-derived orthologs.

Methodology:

Curation of gene entries; implementation of a faster, more powerful search functionality; upgrade of the HCOP orthology tool; and provision of a REST service for programmatic access.