Although meta-analysis methods accounting for heterogeneity exist [26–31], large-scale GWAS results are typically still obtained from fixed-effects meta-analysis methods [32, 33] such as implemented in METAL [34]. Therefore, the MetaGAP calculator assumes the use of a fixed-effects meta-analysis method. Thus, the calculator will help researchers to assess the merits of an intended fixed-effects meta-analysis of GWAS results and to gauge whether it is more appropriate to apply a meta-analysis method that accounts for heterogeneity.
