Abstract: A method for correlation attributes of mature mammals tissue to pre-pubescent mammals is provided. The method comprises providing a biopsy needle with a bore diameter of at least 0.9081 mm (20 gauge) to less than 2.413 mm (13 gauge) with a specimen notch, of at least 2 mm to no more than 16 mm; inserting the needle into said mammalian tissue of a pre-pubescent living mammal and extracting a sample tissue.

Abstract: DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA, methods for producing alpha and beta subunits and recombinant (i.e., isolated or substantially pure) alpha subunits (specifically ?6) and beta subunits (specifically ?3) are provided. In addition, combinations of a plurality of subunits (i.e., one or more of ?1, ?2, ?3, ?4, ?5, ?6 and/or ?7 subunits in combination with one or more of ?3 subunits are provided.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules, i.e., DNA or RNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ? and ? subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA, methods for producing ? and ? subunits and recombinant (i.e., isolated or substantially pure) ? subunits and ? subunits are provided. In addition, cells expressing various multimeric combinations of subunits (i.e., ?1, ?2 ?3 ?4 ?5 ?6 and/or ?7 in combination with at least one of an ? and ? subunit are also provided. A recombinant, non-human cell line expressing the human ?7 subunit of nAChR is also disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules containing polymorphisms in genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases are provided. Probes, primers, kits and methods for detection of polymorphisms in genes involved in neurodegenerative disease are provided. Methods based on detecting such polymorphisms for prognosticating, determining the occurrence, profiling drug response and drug discovery are also provided. Methods of screening for agents that modulate expression and/or activity of genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases, and of screening for agents that modulate a biological event characteristic of a neurodegenerative disease are further provided.