Abstract: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) is the major subtype of esophageal cancer(EC) in China. Although the molecular genetics of ESCC have been widely studied, the molecular mechanism of ESCC carcinogenesis has not been completely understood. microRNAs(miRNAs) are a class of small, endogenous, and non-protein-coding RNAs. They have a role in biological and pathological process, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation and metabolism. miRNAs have a potential role in ESCC pathogenesis through oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Recent years, some studies show that a substantial number of miRNAs are differentially expressed in esophageal cancer tissues. A better knowledge of the roles of miRNAs and their target genes in ESCC development may provide new avenues for the early detection, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of ESCC.