Alternatively, compounds, such as ligand analogs or antibodies, that bind to the 17906 receptor site, butdo not activate the protein, (e.g., receptor-ligand antagonists) can be effective in inhibiting 17906 protein activity.Further, antisense and ribozyme molecules which inhibit expression of the 17906 gene may also be used in accordance with the invention to inhibit aberrant 17906 gene activity.