Objective To study the expression changes of transcription factor genes and their underlying involvement in rat liver regeneration (LR) at transcription level. Methods The transcription factor genes and their function were collected by referring to the putative literatures and databases. Then, their expression in rat LR were checked by Rat Genome 230 2.0 array. LR-related genes were identified through the comparison of discrepancies in gene expression between partial hepatectomy (PH) and sham operation (SO) groups. Results 320 genes were determined to be LRrelated, which were involved in 16 biological processes, such as cellular metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, etc. Expression profiles of above genes were classified into 41 categories according to their functions and expression trends, implying their diversity and complexity during LR. The expression of transcription factor genes that were involved in carbohydrate biosynthesis， lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response was enhanced in the forepart (0.5-4 hours after PH) and prophase (6-12 hours after PH) of LR. Cellular proliferation, growth, differentiation and apoptosis related transcription factor genes were promoted in the metaphase (16-66 hours after PH) and anaphase (72-168 hours after PH).Conclusion Physiological and biochemical activities in LR were regulated by multiple transcription factor genes, and e2f1, fos, copeb, etc. played key