The present invention provides a human LEA motif protein (HuLEAP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HuLEAP. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HuLEAP and a method for producing HuLEAP. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding HuLEAP, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HuLEAP. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HuLEAP for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HuLEAP. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HuLEAP.