Objective:To investigate the effect of ransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on regulating autophagic activity in osteoblasts cell line. Methods:Osteoblasts cell line (hFOB1.19) was treated with TGF-β to induce autophagy. Then,RT-PCR and Western blotting assay were performed to examine the expression of mRNA and protein of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3),respectively. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) was performed to identify autophagosomes. Data was analyzed by SPSS 19.0 statistical software. Results:Compared with the control group,after 3 h of TGF-β treatment in hFOB1.19 cells,the mRNA expression of Beclin 1 was initially decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile,the mRNA expression of LC3 was increased and reached the highest level at 6 h (P < 0.05),and then decreased with time. At the same time,Beclin 1 was initially increased at protein level after 3 h,and then decreased at 6 h,12 h,and 24 h(P < 0.05),and LC3-Ⅱ was increased after 6 h,reached its peak at 12 h(P < 0.01). Autophagosomes were observed in hFOB1.19 cell line by transmission electron microscope TEM at 12 h. Conclusion:TGF-β can induce autophagic activity in osteoblasts cell line hFOB1.19.