There are approximately 19,000 protein-coding genes and 9,000 non-coding RNA (ncRNA) named in the human genome.¹ As genomics research continues to pick up momentum globally, the need for official gene symbols and names becomes increasingly important to ensure clear and unambiguous communication about each gene.

Presently, the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) is the only worldwide authority that assigns standardised symbols and names to human genes.² Once a gene has been assigned a name, it would be added to the Human Gene Nomenclature database and used ubiquitously in research papers, conference talks, posters and biomedical databases.³

While a comprehensive set of guidelines exists to help researchers name newly discovered genes, the rule of thumb is to keep the name concise and convey the gene’s function effectively.

In December 2024, NUS researchers studying late cardiomyocyte lineage specification and maturation discovered a novel ventricular myocyte-restricted long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), not expressed in atrial myocytes, and conserved only in primates, including humans. This is the first lncRNA identified to be exclusively essential for proper ventricular cardiomyocyte development and maturation.

This finding was subsequently published in Journal Molecular Cellular Cardiology where the team named the lncRNA gene as VHRT.

“Although this lncRNA gene previously had an approved symbol, LINC01405, HGNC determined that the symbol given by our researchers was unique compared to its earlier symbol, which was not widely published. HGNC finalised its full gene name as ventricular heart development associated lncRNA,” said Professor Roger Foo, Vice-Dean for Research, NUS Medicine.

“This is the first time a gene has been named by our researchers. This milestone highlights the significance of our discovery—and serves as recognition for the work emerging from our research labs.”

Click here to read the full published research paper.