This invention is in the area of regulatory DNA sequences and their methods of use. Specifically, DNA sequences found in the regulatory region of cytoprotective genes are described that are termed cytoprotective response elements. DNA constructs also are provided that include cytoprotective response elements operably linked to heterologous protein coding sequence, as well as cells and non-human organisms that include the cytoprotective response elements optionally operably linked to a heterologous protein coding sequence, and a method for screening for a compound that increases mRNA or protein regulated by a cytoprotective response element. It has been discovered that the cytoprotective response elements mediate the coordinate activation of certain genes that protect cells from damaging effects of oxidative stress, and that they do so, for example during conditions of hemodynamic shear stress.