The role of mitochondrial dynamics in retinal ganglion cells

Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the constant fission, fusion, docking, transportation, and mitophagy of mitochondria within cells.These dynamic processes are not only critical to regulating mitochondrial morphology and function, but also playing key roles in cell survival, metabolism and function.Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are special and important neurons in retina and are exquisitely sensitive to disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics.Recent studies on autosomal dominant optic atrophy have demonstrated that genes which encode a mitochondrial protein involved in mitochondrial fusion are closely associated with the function of RGCs.In experimental glaucoma models, increased intraocular pressure induced mitochondrial fission, changes of optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) mRNA and protein expression, and resulted in RGCs death.The normal transportation and distribution of mitochondria in RGCs are critical for the function of axons.The studies on inherited and experimental optic neuropathies suggest that mitochondrial dynamics plays a central role in regulating the survival of RGCs.Manipulating mitochondrial dynamics has emerged as a promising strategy in RGCs protection.This paper reviewed the main content of mitochondrial dynamics and the role of mitochondrial dynamics in RGCs. Key words: Mitochondria; Retinal ganglion cells; Fission; Fusion; Transportation