A novel method of identifying compounds capable of upregulating GATA activity is disclosed. The method includes providing a sample of cells that express GATA, providing a sample of a candidate compound, contacting the cell sample and the compound sample, and measuring a quantitative indicator of GATA activity within the cell sample after the contacting step. GATA inducers identified by the method and uses therefore to upregulate GATA activity in subjects and to prevent or treat atherosclerosis or diabetes in subjects are also described.