The invention provides a human RNPEP-like which is associated with the cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, endocrinological diseases, metabolic diseases, cancer, gastroenterological diseases, inflammation, hematological diseases, neurological diseases and urological diseases. The invention also provides assays for the identification of compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, endocrinological diseases, metabolic diseases, cancer, gastroenterological diseases, inflammation, hematological diseases, neurological diseases and urological diseases. The invention also features compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of RNPEP-like as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.