<unk><unk>  optic neuropathy is a condition related to changes in mitochondrial DNA. Although most DNA is packaged in chromosomes within the nucleus, mitochondria have a distinct mitochondrial genome composed of mtDNA. Mutations in the MT-ND1, MT-ND4, MT-ND4L, and MT-ND6 genes cause<unk><unk>  optic neuropathy. These genes code for the NADH dehydrogenase protein involved in the normal mitochondrial function of oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidative phosphorylation uses a series of four large multienzyme complexes, all embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane, to convert oxygen and simple sugars to energy. Mutations in any of the genes disrupt this process to cause a variety of syndromes depending on the type of mutation and other factors. It remains unclear how these genetic changes cause the death of cells in the optic nerve and lead to the specific features of<unk><unk>  optic neuropathy.
Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy
Kjer's optic neuropathy
Alexander disease
Graves' ophthalmopathy
Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome
Sorsby's fundus dystrophy
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Akureyri disease