MicroRNAs Expression in Benign and Malignant Pleural Effusion

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-24nt non-coding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression by degrading messenger RNA (mRNA) or suppressing mRNA translation. miRNAs have been found to regulate a variety of cellular processes including cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis.The deregulation of miRNAs expression is closely associated with human tumor. miRNAs widely exist in human tissues and body fluids with relative stability. This article reviews the expression of miRNAs in pleural effusion to provide the new concept and thinking for distinguishing benign and malignant pleural effusion.