Epilogue: Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Nomenclature

The history and current status of consensus arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) gene nomenclature is outlined, describing the contributions of the NAT committee over the years. The NAT nomenclature website, hosted by the Democritus University of Thrace, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (http://nat.mbg.duth.gr/), is presented. This website consolidates annotated information about prokaryotic and eukaryotic NAT genes, as well as a complete listing of NAT polymorphic alleles in human and other mammalian model species. Detailed instructions about the correct species-specific naming of NAT genes and alleles are also provided on the NAT website. Scientists who wish to name new NAT sequences should follow those guidelines and contact the committee who will approve the official symbols of new NAT genes or alleles. New developments towards a standardised nomenclature across the entire spectrum of pharmacogenetics-associated genes, including human NAT1 and NAT2, will be discussed in view of recent advancements in genomic medicine.