The original selection criteria we requested from the Collaborative Genetic Study of Nicotine Dependence (COGEND) group was to include subjects with similar backgrounds, including both sexes, and availability of frozen cells in the repository. We did not request additional SNP data, nor did we receive ages of the subjects. We specifically chose to draw a line between the genetics group performing genome wide associated studies (GWAS) and our study, since we could never achieve the power necessary to assess additional genetic markers in such a small number of subjects, and we wished to maintain subject anonymity since we used deidentified repository specimens. All cells in this collection are consented for cell line construction and are exempt from IRB review under 45 CFR part 46 exemption 4.
