Plant Trihelix transcription factors (TFs) generally exhibit three continuous alpha-helixes within the DNA binding domain. Since these TFs were first found to specifically bind with GT elements, this family was also referred the GT factor family. Recent achievements showed that Trihelix transcription factors were involved in light response, and also various types of biotic and abiotic stresses. Here the structural characteristics and family classification of plant Trihelix transcription factors were summarized. As example of the gene expression patterns of GT-1 subfamily in sugar beet and the latest research progress, we reviewed the interactions between Trihelix transcription factor and environmental factors. This will lay a foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanism of Trihelix transcription factors being involved in plant light response as well as biotic and abiotic stresses.