How Are Genes Named?
After reading about WNT2, RELN, HOXA1, OXTR, and others, you may wonder how
genes are named. As you may have guessed, these names are abbreviations for the full gene names.
Abbreviated gene names are especially useful for genes with long names, like WNT2 (which stands for
"wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2"). While "wingless" seems an unnecessary adjective
(of course humans don't have wings!), some genes are named after similar genes in other organisms, such
as fruit flies.
Like other scientific discoveries, genes are named by the person who discovers them. Technically, a
scientist can name a gene anything he or she wants. Some scientists choose names based on the disorder
thought to be associated with changes in the gene. For example, changes in the CFTR gene cause cystic
fibrosis.
Genes are specific pieces of DNA that contain instructions to make proteins. Sometimes the gene name
is actually a variation of the name of the protein the gene makes. For example, the RELN gene contains
instructions for making the 'reelin' protein. The 'reelin' protein was named for the "reeling" walking
motion of mice that have changes in their own version of the RELN gene!
Other genes are named for how their proteins work in the body. For example, HOX genes (short for
homeobox) are a whole group of genes involved in development. Individual HOX genes are named with
additional letters and numbers, such as HOXA1 or HOXD9. However, because of the consistent naming
system, we know that all HOX genes play a specific type of role in development.
There are even playful gene names, such as the SHH gene, which is involved in the development of the
brain, spinal cord, and limbs. The SHH gene is named after Sonic the Hedgehog!
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