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Updated: May 18, 2026
10:31
Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Mitochondria within Human Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers
Published on: September 29, 2017
The optic nerve: a "mito-window" on mitochondrial neurodegeneration
Alessandra Maresca1, Chiara la Morgia, Leonardo Caporali
1IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Ugo Foscolo 7, 40123 Bologna, Italy.
Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to optic nerve damage in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This review examines optic nerve pathology and its mechanisms in various conditions, offering insights into neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Mitochondrial Medicine
Background:
- Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the optic nerve, crucial for vision.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to optic atrophy in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy was the first disease linked to mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of optic nerve pathology in neurodegenerative disorders.
- To review the pathogenic mechanisms of optic atrophy.
- To highlight the optic nerve's involvement in age-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of neuro-ophthalmological findings.
- Analysis of mitochondrial dysfunction in optic nerve pathology.
- Review of molecular mechanisms in neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- Optic nerve involvement is frequent in mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Advancements in neuro-ophthalmology aid in re-investigating optic nerve disorders.
- Optic nerve pathology is observed in inherited neuropathies, mitochondrial disorders, and age-related diseases.
Conclusions:
- Optic nerve pathology is a significant feature across diverse neurodegenerative conditions.
- Understanding optic nerve involvement may serve as a model for neurodegeneration research.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of optic atrophy.
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