Abstract: The present invention relates to three novel cancer related genes, Nmi, Omi and Rim. The Nmi gene encodes a myc gene product-binding protein. The Omi gene encodes a mammalian serine protease protein comprising an amino terminal regulatory domain, which includes a signal peptidase site, a triple repeat motif, an SH3 binding domain, and a consensus Mxi2/p38 kinase phosphorylation site, and a carboxy terminus serine protease catalytic domain. The retinoblastoma-interacting myosin-like gene (Rim gene) encodes a retinoblastoma binding protein comprising two leucine zipper structures, an RB family binding motif, an E1A/CtBP binding motif, and four nuclear localization sequences. Described herein are isolated and antisense nucleic acids molecules, recombinant expression vectors, host cells and non-human transgenic animals containing an insertion or a disruption of the Nmi, Omi and Rim genes. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing the compositions of the invention are also provided.