Gene Names

[Cathy Ball]

The Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD) assumed the responsibility to 
maintain the S. cerevisiae gene registry from Dr. Robert Mortimer in 
early 1994.  The reason to maintain a gene registry is to ensure that 
every yeast gene has a single name that will uniquely identify it.  
Preserving and updating the gene registry has presented SGD with some 
difficult problems to solve.  The most common problems are gene names 
that are not in traditional yeast format, names used for more that one 
gene, or a single gene having multiple names.  The SGD attempts to 
resolve these gene name problems using an amalgam of community consensus, 
literature usage, priority in the literature, and clarity relative to 
function.  Additionally, mapping (physical or genetic) or DNA sequence is 
required to demonstrate that a gene is unique.  In the cases of 
non-standard format or the same name for multiple genes, we attempt to 
get the research group(s) involved to agree on appropriate names.  When 
one gene has several names, we select a primary name to be used for that 
gene.  Generally, this type of decisions requires compromise and leaves 
one (or more) party disappointed.  To avoid future headaches and 
disappointment, researchers should search for gene names via SGD, 
Medline, and GenBank.  Prior to publication or submission to GenBank, 
researchers should always register a gene name with SGD to reassure 
themselves that the gene name they wish to use is appropriate.  The 
curators of SGD are happy to help researchers register a gene name or 
determine whether a gene name is appropriate.  The SGD can be reached on 
WWW at:  "http://genome-www.stanford.edu".  Alternatively, electronic 
mail to "yeast-curator at genome.stanford.edu" or a telephone call to 
(415)725-8956 will reach the SGD curators.