Nomenclature report on rice WRKY's - Conflict regarding gene names and its solution

BACKGROUND: Since whole genome sequences of rice were made publically accessible, the number of articles on new rice genes has increased remarkably. The Committee on Gene Symbolization, Nomenclature and Linkage (CGSNL) of the Rice Genetics Cooperative published the gene nomenclature system for rice and encouraged researchers to follow the rules before publishing their results. The CGSNL provides an on-line registration system for newly identified rice genes to prevent conflicts and/or duplication of gene name in journal articles. FINDINGS: Recently, the CGSNL surveyed genes in the rice WRKY family in published journal articles and found several duplicated gene names. CONCLUSIONS: To discuss and resolve inconsistencies in WRKY gene nomenclature, the rice WRKY working group was established and redefined the nomenclature. This report announces the conclusion.