2-deoxy-d-ribose-induced apoptotic response in lymphocytes also indicates a higher rate of apoptosis in LHON patients compared to controls.54 The increased cytochrome c release into the cytosol hallmarked by chromatin condensation and nuclear DNA laddering, by LHON cybrids indicates and involvement of mitochondria in the activation of the apoptotic cascade.30 After further investigation, it was found that cybrids growing in galactose medium underwent caspase-independent apoptosis due to a dramatic reduction of ATP. The gene discussed is CYCS; the disease is Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.