Thus, we characterized a set of hNGF mutants with therapeutic potential, aimed at the design of new clinical protocols for the treatment of different kind of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathies, ophthalmic diseases and dermatological ulcers, where the neurotrophic effects of NGF could be exploited, by avoiding the nociceptive side effects induced by the neurotrophin. The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease.