What is HGNC in bioinformatics?

HGNC is responsible for creating the nomenclature standards that apply to the science of genetics. This includes standardizing the description of gene and protein sequences, symbols, and gene product names (i.e., short-forms). HGNC also recognizes other names that scientists wish to use for the same gene. When choosing these short forms, we consider scientific accuracy and clarity, convenience of usage, consistency with other databases, and international compatibility. HGNC is not in a position to control the use of short-forms in scientific publications and databases. If a scientist wishes to make a change to his/her short form, HGNC PRDX he/she is encouraged to make the change on the basis of scientific merit. When scientific names change, they are generally approved by the Commission. A number of changes are made to gene symbols on the basis of requests from various sources. HGNC does not seek out these requests. HGNC is not the final authority on the use of names and short-forms. The UTRN is responsible for assigning short forms in its database. HGNC does not make recommendations about the use of short-forms.