The G401D mutation of OPA1 causes autosomal dominant optic atrophy and hearing loss in a Chinese family.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Chinese family affected with optic atrophy 1 (OPA1). METHODS: Linkage analysis and DNA sequencing as well as PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were performed to identify the disease-causing mutation. RESULTS: A missense mutation, G401D in the OPA1 gene was identified, and the patients demonstrate inherited syndrome of optic atrophy and hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that a mutation in the OPA1 gene can cause optic atrophy in Chinese patients, and supports the notion that OPA1 mutation may lead to OPA1 combined with hearing loss.