OPA1 and autosomal dominant optic atrophy: These core Opa1 functions are essential for mitochondrial bioenergetic competence, mitochondrial DNA stability, control of apoptosis, and possibly autophagy.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Additionally, recent studies demonstrate that Opa1 is important for the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis.4, 11, 12 Certain opa1 mutations lead to autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), a hereditary eye disease caused by the selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and degeneration of the optic nerve.