The invention provides a human RNPEPL1 which is associated with the cardiovascular diseases, endocrinological diseases, metabolic diseases, cancer, inflammation, gastroenterological diseases, hematological diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological diseases, urological diseases and reproduction disorders. The invention also provides assays for the identification of compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases, endocrinological diseases, metabolic diseases, cancer, inflammation, gastroenterological diseases, hematological diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological diseases, urological diseases and reproduction disorders. The invention also features compounds which bind to and/or activate or inhibit the activity of RNPEPL1 as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.