The invention provides a SHINC-3 polynucleotide, which can be a nucleic acid encoding all or a portion of a SHINC-3 protein, or a complementary polynucleotide or antisense polynucleotide. In another aspect, the invention provides a SHINC-3 polypeptide, which can be a full-length SHINC-3 protein or a fragment thereof or an analog or homolog thereof. Desirably, the SHINC-3 polypeptide modulates apoptosis. In another aspect, the invention provides an antibody that specifically binds a SHINC-3 polypeptide.In another aspect, the invention provides diagnostic methods. For example, the method affords a method for identifying compounds that modulate apoptosis. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting or evaluating the prognosis of a cancer. In another aspect, the invention provides diagnostic compositions for detection of cancer.In another aspect, the invention provides a method of modulating apoptosis or invention or preventing a cancer, tumor growth and/or metastasis by administration of an agent that modulates the expression and/or activity of SHINC-3.In another aspect, the invention provides formulations of SHINC-3 polynucleotides or proteins. Preferably, such compositions will comprise liposomal formulations.