Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide (ncp) which identifies and encodes a novel cysteine protease (NCP) expressed in cells of both the adrenal gland and human umbilical vein endothelium. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules and oligomers designed from the nucleotide sequence or its antisense. The invention further provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells for the production of purified NCP peptide, antibodies capable of binding to NCP, inhibitors which bind to NCP and pharmaceutical compositions based on NCP specific antibodies or inhibitors. The invention specifically provides for diagnostic assays based on altered ncp expression and which allow identification of such a condition. These assays utilize probes designed from ncp encoding or controlling nucleic acid sequences or antibodies specific for the NCP.