Disclosed herein are erythropoietin-mimetic compounds of Formula I, which modulate the survival, function, or differentiation of, for example, kidney cells, neurons, erythroid cells, or other erythropoietin-responsive cells. The present invention also relates to compounds and methods that preferentially modulate cells expressing the tissue-protective erythropoietin receptor. The compounds of the invention are useful in preventing and treating diseases, such as anemia, organ injury, and diseases of the central nervous system, and as an adjunct to cellular treatments, such as stem cell therapies.