The gene for the rat GST Ya subunit has been examined in detail as a model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of inducibility by xenobiotics and their tissue-specific regulation. The focus of this article is to describe our current understanding of these mechanisms. The discussion will begin with the classification of the types of inducing agents. These pioneering studies suggested that there were multiple mechanisms for the inducibility of GSTs. In fact, the analysis of GST Ya gene expression has identified two different upstream activating elements and putative protein factors through which different classes of inducers act. Finally, the position-specific and tissue-specific regulation of the GST Ya gene will be discussed.