The present invention provides two ATP synthase subunits (designated individually as Asy-1 and Asy-2, and collectively as Asy) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Asy. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding Asy and a method for producing Asy. The invention also provides for use of Asy and agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding Asy, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Asy. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding Asy for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of Asy. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding Asy.