Proposed Nomenclature for Microhaplotypes

• NCJ Number: 251289
• Journal: Human Genomics Volume: 10 Dated: June 2016 Pages: 1-3
• Author(s): K. K. Kidd
• Date Published: June 2016
• Length: 3 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2013-DN-BX-K023; 2014-DN-BX-K030; 2015-DN-BX-023
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Continued Development of FROG-kb: A Forensic Resource/Reference on Genetics knowledge base; High resolution SNP panels for forensic identification of ancestry, family, and phenotype.

Annotation

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 in this article follows the recommendation of the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (http://www.genenames.org).

Abstract

The Committee states, "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 current 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. They suggest that 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. (Publisher abstract modified)