Who says that scientists don't know how to enjoy themselves, eh?
Does a gene by any other name sound as sweet? Well, if it’s originally called “manic fringe homologue” the answer is that any other name sounds sweeter.
In the past, when scientists discovered new genes in drosophila flies, they came up with whimsical titles for them. In homage to a video game character they called one such fly gene “Sonic Hedgehog”. Sonic the Hedgehog was about as rambunctious and likeable as video game characters come.
But doctors and researchers are now calling for the reconsideration of names given to related genes in the humans – such as “Sonic Hedgehog homologue” and “manic fringe homologue”. The Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) Gene Nomenclature Committee is now re-evaluating these genes along with three others: lunatic fringe homolog, radical fringe homolog, and Indian Hedgehog homolog.
It turns out that telling a patient that they have a disability or illness because of a “manic” or “lunatic” gene isn’t so fun after all.
You can’t blame fly scientists for wanting to have some fun. But maybe it’s time for us to grow up and refrain from naming genes after video game characters. Because the last thing that a patient wants to think when hearing about a deadly mutation is “game over”.
Roxanne Khamsi
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