A method to inhibit tissue injury in a subject resulting from exposure to radiation is provided. The method involves administering to the subject a prolyl hydroxylase (PH) inhibitor in an amount effective to inhibit tissue injury caused by radiation exposure of the subject. The invention also involves a screen for PH inhibitors that inhibit tissue damage resulting from exposure to radiation. Compounds that inhibit the enzymatic activity of PHs are tested for their ability to protect against radiation damage.
