CALHM1 polymorphism is not associated with late-onset Alzheimer disease

Data suggests that the P86L polymorphism (rs2986017) in the calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) gene interferes with CALHM1 functionality, increases Abeta levels, and is associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Previous studies have demonstrated association with P86L and LOAD in three of five case-control cohorts, and a joint analysis of all datasets showed association with a p-value of 2 x 10(-10) and an allele-specific odds ratio of 1.44 (2,043 cases, 1,361 controls total). In this short communication we attempt to replicate these results in our case-control cohort (510 cases, 524 controls). We show no association between P86L and LOAD despite having sufficient power to detect at the reported odds ratios, and briefly discuss potential reasons for the discrepancy.