MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of highly conserved small non-coding RNA molecules.They negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level,which may lead either to translational repression or mRNA degradation.MiRNAs are highly conserved in evolution and extensively involve in organism growth,development,apoptosis,and other pathological or physiological processes.Recent studies have shown that the specific miRNAs play important roles in the process of the occurrence and development of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.At the same time,they participate in the regulation of injury mechanism as well as protection and repair mechanisms after cerebral ischemia.Fully understanding the regulatory effect of functional significance of the miRNAs and their changes of expression levels not only help identify therapeutic targets,prevent neuronal death,and reduce ischemic brain damage,but also help clear apoptotic cells,promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis by regulating their expression levels.In addition,miRNAs may also provide a new strategy for the preservation and diagnosis of ischemic stroke.