In particular, under oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions similar to those early occurring both in AMD and AD, the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-7 protease is altered in the eye causing a local accumulation of proNGF and concomitant reduction of mature NGF followed by changes in the expression and function of its receptors (i.e., the survival TrkA receptor and the neurotrophin p75NTR receptor). The gene discussed is NGF; the disease is age-related macular degeneration.