In this study, recombinant AAV2 expressing NDI1 (AAV-NDI1) was shown to protect RGCs in a rotenone-induced murine model of LHON, significantly reducing RGC death by 1.5-fold and optic nerve atrophy by 1.4-fold [156]. This evidence concerns the gene AVPR2 and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.