This review article by Hewan Zhang and Lingli Lu explores the roles of five major transcription factor families—WRKY, ERF, MYB, bHLH, and bZIP—in plant responses to cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress. Cd pollution is a significant environmental issue that poses threats to crop production and human health. The authors highlight how these transcription factors play crucial roles in regulating plant tolerance to Cd stress through various mechanisms. 1. **WRKY TFs**: These TFs modulate Cd tolerance by regulating the redox system, influencing antioxidant enzyme activities, and modulating H2S synthesis. Studies in various plants, including Arabidopsis, wheat, and rice, demonstrate their importance in Cd tolerance. 2. **ERF TFs**: ERF TFs regulate Cd tolerance by controlling ROS, nitrate, and ethylene synthesis and activity. They are involved in the regulation of stress response genes and enhance plant resistance to Cd stress. 3. **MYB TFs**: MYB TFs influence Cd tolerance by regulating antioxidant enzymes and facilitating Cd compartmentalization. They also play a role in maintaining iron homeostasis and enhancing Cd tolerance in various plants. 4. **bHLH TFs**: These TFs regulate Cd transport and enhance iron accumulation by inducing the expression of iron transport genes. They are involved in maintaining high iron content under Cd stress, which helps alleviate Cd toxicity. 5. **bZIP TFs**: bZIP TFs are critical for regulating Cd uptake and long-distance transport from roots to stems. They influence the expression of genes involved in Cd detoxification and compartmentalization. The authors conclude that these transcription factor families are essential in regulating plant Cd tolerance, and further research is needed to understand their specific roles in model plants and food crops. Genetic engineering could be a valuable tool to enhance plant resistance to Cd stress by modifying these transcription factors.This review article by Hewan Zhang and Lingli Lu explores the roles of five major transcription factor families—WRKY, ERF, MYB, bHLH, and bZIP—in plant responses to cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress. Cd pollution is a significant environmental issue that poses threats to crop production and human health. The authors highlight how these transcription factors play crucial roles in regulating plant tolerance to Cd stress through various mechanisms. 1. **WRKY TFs**: These TFs modulate Cd tolerance by regulating the redox system, influencing antioxidant enzyme activities, and modulating H2S synthesis. Studies in various plants, including Arabidopsis, wheat, and rice, demonstrate their importance in Cd tolerance. 2. **ERF TFs**: ERF TFs regulate Cd tolerance by controlling ROS, nitrate, and ethylene synthesis and activity. They are involved in the regulation of stress response genes and enhance plant resistance to Cd stress. 3. **MYB TFs**: MYB TFs influence Cd tolerance by regulating antioxidant enzymes and facilitating Cd compartmentalization. They also play a role in maintaining iron homeostasis and enhancing Cd tolerance in various plants. 4. **bHLH TFs**: These TFs regulate Cd transport and enhance iron accumulation by inducing the expression of iron transport genes. They are involved in maintaining high iron content under Cd stress, which helps alleviate Cd toxicity. 5. **bZIP TFs**: bZIP TFs are critical for regulating Cd uptake and long-distance transport from roots to stems. They influence the expression of genes involved in Cd detoxification and compartmentalization. The authors conclude that these transcription factor families are essential in regulating plant Cd tolerance, and further research is needed to understand their specific roles in model plants and food crops. Genetic engineering could be a valuable tool to enhance plant resistance to Cd stress by modifying these transcription factors.