Objective      To examine the effect of transforming growth factor β

1

(TGF-β

1

) gene on promoting endothelial cells adhesion to smooth muscle cells.       Methods      Smooth muscle cells were transfected with pMAMneo TGF-β

1

(TGF-β

1

group) and pMAMneo (control group) by DOTAP liposome transfection reagent

respectively. The positive cell clones were selected with G418

and the expression of TGF-β

1

was detected by fluorescence analysis. The number of endothelial cells adhering to the transfected smooth muscle cells were determined by microscopy.       Results      TGF-β

1

gene was successfully expressed in the smooth muscle cells transfected with pMAMneo TGF-β

1

. A large number of endothelial cells adhered to the surfaces of the smooth muscle cells of the TGF-β

1

group

which was significantly greater than that of the control group [(32±2) vs (11±1)

P0.01

]

.       Conclusion      TGF-β

1

gene can induce endothelial cells adhesion to smooth muscle cells

which is helpful for vascular tissue engineering.