OBJECTIVE To review the progress of the relation between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and repair of tissue injury. METHODS The recent articles about TGF-beta and tissue reconstruction were extensively reviewed. The gene identification, production, activation of TGF-beta and its role in the repair course of tissue injury were investigated. RESULTS TGF-beta belongs to a family of multifunctional polypeptides, its gene structure is highly conservative. Many animal models about TGF-beta and tissue injury have been established. The research mainly focuses on the classification, distribution of TGF-beta receptors and their signal pathway. CONCLUSION TGF-beta plays an important roles in the regulation of repair of tissue injury.