Abstract: The present invention provides a human apoptosis-related calcium-binding protein (HARC) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HARC. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HARC and a method for producing HARC. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding HARC, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HARC. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HARC for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HARC. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HARC.