One strategy involves the transfection of the nuclear genome with the neuroprotective SOD2 gene packaged into an AAV vector.87 The overexpression of the superoxide dismutase ROS scavenger in m.11778G>A LHON cybrids suppressed apoptosis and resulted in increased cell survival.87 The consolidation of the cell's antioxidant defences could therefore prove a complementary approach to the replacement of the mutated gene product in LHON. The gene discussed is SOD2; the disease is Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.