With genome-wide data on about 38,000 individuals, these cohort studies have a large number of phenotypes measured in a similar way, and a prospective meta-analysis of within-study association data from the 5 studies, with a properly selected level of genome-wide significance, is a powerful approach to finding genuine phenotypic associations with novel genetic loci. The CHARGE Consortium provides a unique opportunity for collaborative investigation of the genetic determinants of risk factors, measures of subclinical disease, and clinical events.
