Loss of OPA1 Perturbates the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Structure and Integrity, Leading to Cytochrome c Release and Apoptosis

OPA1 encodes a large GTPase related to dynamins, anchored to the mitochondrial cristae inner membrane, facing the intermembrane space. OPA1haplo-insufficiency is responsible for the most common form of autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA, MIM165500), a neuropathy resulting from degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve atrophy. Here we show that down-regulation of OPA1 in HeLa cells using specific small interfering RNA...