Proposed nomenclature for microhaplotypes

Microhaplotypes are a new type of genetic marker in forensics and population genetics. A standardized nomenclature is desirable. A simple approach that does not require a central authority for approval is proposed. The nomenclature proposed follows the recommendation of the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (http://www.genenames.org): “We strongly encourage naming families and groups of genes related by sequence and/or function using a “root” symbol. This is an efficient and informative way to name related genes, and already works well for a number of established gene families…” The proposal involves a simple root consisting of “mh” followed by the two-digit chromosome number and unique characters established by the authors in the initial publication. We suggest the unique symbol be an indication of the laboratory followed by characters unique to the chromosome and laboratory. For instance, the microhaplotype symbol mh01KK-001 refers to a locus on chromosome 1 published by the Kidd Lab (KK-) as their #001. Publication defines mh01KK-001 as comprised of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs4648344, rs6663840, rs58111155, and rs6688969.     

Freeze-etch nomenclature for procaryotic bacteria

A simple nomenclature for the freeze-fractured-etched membranes of procaryotic Gram-positive and Gram-negative micro-organisms is described. With a three letter code, the surface and fracture faces of the bacterial enveloping layers are clearly identified. The first letter defines the fracture face looking towards the bacterial cytoplasm (C) or the exterior (E), the second identifies structures as unfractured surfaces (S) or fractured faces of membranes (F) and the third locates the structure in the bacterial envelope.     

A nomenclature system for isofurans

Recently, the isolation of a new class of human arachidonic acid oxidation products, the isofurans, was reported. These are produced in vivo by a free radical mechanism independent of the cyclooxygenase enzymes. Because these compounds are tetrahydrofuran derivatives that are related biosynthetically to the isoprostanes, they were termed isofurans. There are eight different isofuran regioisomers, each of which can exist as 16 racemic diastereomers. Thus, 256 enantiomerically-pure isofurans can be formed. These molecules are of interest as measurement of isofurans provides a sensitive index of free-radical induced lipid peroxidation in vivo under conditions of elevated oxygen tension. They also, in analogy to isoprostanes, may have potent biological activity. To explore this, the chemical synthesis of the IsoFs has been initiated. As a result, there is a need for a systematic nomenclature for this class of natural products. A facile system that will allow the ready differentiation of each of the isomeric structures comprising the family of isofurans is presented.     

New consensus nomenclature for mammalian keratins

Keratins are intermediate filament-forming proteins that provide mechanical support and fulfill a variety of additional functions in epithelial cells. In 1982, a nomenclature was devised to name the keratin proteins that were known at that point. The systematic sequencing of the human genome in recent years uncovered the existence of several novel keratin genes and their encoded proteins. Their naming could not be adequately handled in the context of the original system. We propose a new consensus nomenclature for keratin genes and proteins that relies upon and extends the 1982 system and adheres to the guidelines issued by the Human and Mouse Genome Nomenclature Committees. This revised nomenclature accommodates functional genes and pseudogenes, and although designed specifically for the full complement of human keratins, it offers the flexibility needed to incorporate additional keratins from other mammalian species.