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OPA1 Deficiency Impairs NGF Signaling and Drives Sympathetic Neurodegeneration
Marco Ronfini1, Valentina Prando1, Vittoria Di Mauro1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Peripheral sympathetic neurodegeneration drives cardiac dysfunction in dominant optic atrophy, revealing a critical neuro-cardiac link. Optic atrophy factor-1 haploinsufficiency disrupts mitochondrial dynamics and neurotrophic signaling, causing targeted sympathetic denervation and arrhythmias. Restoring nerve growth factor transport and mitochondrial health in sympathetic neurons represents a promising therapeutic avenue for cardiac autonomic disorders. Future research must unravel mechanisms of neurocardiac crosstalk to develop precise interventions against neurogenic cardiac disease progression.
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