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European Journal of Epidemiology
Published in: European Journal of Epidemiology 3/2019

Open Access 01-03-2019 | CONSORTIUM

The Early Growth Genetics (EGG) and EArly Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortia: design, results and future prospects

Authors: Christel M. Middeldorp, Janine F. Felix, Anubha Mahajan, Mark I. McCarthy, EArly Genetics Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortium, Early Growth Genetics (EGG) consortium

Published in: European Journal of Epidemiology | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

The impact of many unfavorable childhood traits or diseases, such as low birth weight and mental disorders, is not limited to childhood and adolescence, as they are also associated with poor outcomes in adulthood, such as cardiovascular disease. Insight into the genetic etiology of childhood and adolescent traits and disorders may therefore provide new perspectives, not only on how to improve wellbeing during childhood, but also how to prevent later adverse outcomes. To achieve the sample sizes required for genetic research, the Early Growth Genetics (EGG) and EArly Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortia were established. The majority of the participating cohorts are longitudinal population-based samples, but other cohorts with data on early childhood phenotypes are also involved. Cohorts often have a broad focus and collect(ed) data on various somatic and psychiatric traits as well as environmental factors. Genetic variants have been successfully identified for multiple traits, for example, birth weight, atopic dermatitis, childhood BMI, allergic sensitization, and pubertal growth. Furthermore, the results have shown that genetic factors also partly underlie the association with adult traits. As sample sizes are still increasing, it is expected that future analyses will identify additional variants. This, in combination with the development of innovative statistical methods, will provide detailed insight on the mechanisms underlying the transition from childhood to adult disorders. Both consortia welcome new collaborations. Policies and contact details are available from the corresponding authors of this manuscript and/or the consortium websites.
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Metadata
Title
The Early Growth Genetics (EGG) and EArly Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortia: design, results and future prospects
Authors
Christel M. Middeldorp
Janine F. Felix
Anubha Mahajan
Mark I. McCarthy
EArly Genetics Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortium
Early Growth Genetics (EGG) consortium
Publication date
01-03-2019
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
European Journal of Epidemiology / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0393-2990
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7284
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-019-00502-9

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