Abstract: Intramuscular fat（IMF） of beef cattle refers to the fat tissue existing in muscle fibers. Its content is positively correlated with the juiciness, tenderness and palatability of beef, and is one of the important factors determining the quality grade of beef. It is an effective way to increase the IMF content in beef to clarify the mechanism of IMF deposition and regulation. In this paper, the IMF deposition process and the candidate genes, transcription factors and non-coding RNA（ncRNA） regulating IMF deposition in beef cattle were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for further analysis of the molecular mechanism of IMF deposition in beef cattle and promote the breeding process of meat quality traits.