Provided are compositions and methods for inhibiting hypoxia-induced damage. The compositions and methods involve the use of one or more agents that can inhibit one or any combination of the genes BCL2L14, BLOC1S2, C20RF42, CPT1A, FBP1, GCNT3, RHOB, SCIN, TACR1 and TNFAIP6. Polynucleotide and non-polynucleotide agents which can be used for inhibiting one or more of the genes are included. The method involves introducing one or more gene inhibiting agents to a cell, tissue, organ, or individual such that formation of hypoxia related damage is inhibited. Kits which contain the agents and printed information about using them for inhibiting hypoxia induced damage are also included.