The P450 Gene Superfamily: Recommended Nomenclature

TLDR

Orthologous assignment of P450 genes is uncertain across species, especially in the P450II family, and may need revision as new data emerge. The study proposes an evolution‑based nomenclature for the P450 gene superfamily. The nomenclature assigns Roman numerals to gene families, capital letters to subfamilies, Arabic numerals to individual genes, and requires updates every 1–2 years.

Abstract

A nomenclature for the P450 gene superfamily is proposed based on evolution. Recommendations include Roman numerals for distinct gene families, capital letters for subfamilies, and Arabic numerals for individual genes. An updating of this list, which presently includes 65 entries, will be required every 1–2 years. Assignment of orthologous genes is presently uncertain in some cases—between widely diverged species and especially in the P450II family due to the large number of genes. As more is known, it might become necessary to change some gene assignments that are based on our present knowledge.