•http://www.gene.ucl.ac.uk/nomenclature/workshop/virtual.html •http://hgvbase.cgb.ki.se

Can you help annotate the human genome? There are ∼1,500 human genes for which the chromosome location is known but the actual coding sequence has not yet been identified. The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) is now looking to the scientific community to provide the sequences of these genes. To find a list of the genes in question and to submit data, visit their Virtual Gene Nomenclature Workshop site. The deadline for data submission is 30 June 2003. This initiative is part of the HGNC's valiant project to provide unique symbols for the estimated 30,000 human genes. Now is your chance to take part in this quest!

The Human Genome Variation Database (HGVbase) provides another opportunity for researchers to contribute data to help annotate the genome. It aims to provide a comprehensive catalogue of the variation in the human genome. All types of polymorphisms can be submitted online regardless of chromosomal location, allele frequency or phenotypic effect. The web site is curated using both manual and automated curation tools and the quality of data is checked before entry. The database is run by an EU consortium, consisting of teams from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Germany, the European Bioinformatics Institute, UK, and the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. It provides a resource for those interested in the effect of genetic variation on drug responses and disease susceptibility. Indeed, data from HGVbase have already been used to identify genetic polymorphisms that are associated with benzene poisoning.