The invention provides a human HM74a which is associated with the disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system, cardiovascular diseases, hematological diseases, cancer, inflammation, urological diseases, respiratory diseases and gastroenterological diseases. The invention also provides assays for the identification of compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system, cardiovascular diseases, hematological diseases, cancer, inflammation, urological diseases, respiratory diseases and gastroenterological diseases. The invention also features compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of HM74a as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.