Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for preventing, inhibiting or otherwise reducing cell death. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method for preventing, inhibiting or otherwise reducing neuronal cell death such as during neurodegenerative disease or following trauma The method of the present invention is generally practiced by the administration to a mammalian including a human subject, of an effective amount of an agent which blocks, retards or otherwise impairs ions from entering or passing through an ion channel. In one particular embodiment, the ion channel is a potassium (K) ion (K+) channel. The present invention further provides compositions comprising ion channel blockers and in particular K+ channel blockers. The compositions may also comprise other therapeutic agents such as agents which reduce levels of, or the activity of, a neurotrophin receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for modulating cell survival. Modulation of cell survival includes inducing, enhancing or otherwise promoting cell survival such as the survival of neural cells as well as facilitating cell death such as the death of targeted cancer cells. The modulation of cell survival is mediated by a region identified on the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) required for death signalling. The present invention further provides genetic molecules which encode the death signalling region of p75NTR which are useful in antagonising death signal function as well as promoting cell death when expressed in targeted cells. The present invention also contemplates recombinant peptides, polypeptides and proteins s well as chemical equivalents, derivatives and homologues thereof which comprise the death signalling portion of p75NTR. Particularly useful molecules of the present invention comprise peptides corresponding to soluble forms of the death signalling portion of p75NTR.