Loss of SARM1 protects against retinal ganglion cell degeneration in Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy

Abstract

Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA), the most prevalent inherited optic neuropathy, leads to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and vision loss. ADOA is primarily caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene, which encodes a conserved GTPase important for mitochondrial inner membrane dynamics. To date, the disease mechanism remains unclear, and no therapies are available. Here, we present a novel mouse model carrying the pathogenic Opa1R290Q/+ allele that recapitulates key features of human ADOA, including mitochondrial defects, age-related RGC loss, optic nerve degeneration, and reduced RGC functions. We identify SARM1, a neurodegeneration switch, as a key driver of RGC degeneration in these mice. Sarm1 knockout nearly completely suppresses all the degeneration phenotypes. Additionally, we show that SARM1 is located within the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS). These findings indicate that SARM1 is activated downstream of mitochondrial dysfunction in ADOA, highlighting it as a promising therapeutic target.