Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs with a length around 22 nt, are widely distributed in various organisms such as animals, plants and viruses. miRNA is an important regulatory factor for aging and disease. Here, we reviewed the expression patterns of miRNA during different developmental stages of  Drosophila melanogaster, the expression profiles of miRNA in major signaling pathways responsible for aging, and finally the roles of miRNA in aging. The specific miRNA plays an important role in different developmental stages of  D. melanogaster and the expression pattern of miRNA is related to its functions. The genetic pathways of insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) and target of rapamycin (TOR) are reported as important signaling pathways for aging. Some studies have showed that miR-34, miR-8, miR-14, miR let7, and miR-277 could either shorten or extend lifespan through regulating the target genes in agingrelated pathways. Studies on miRNA involved in aging provide the basis for the research on molecular mechanisms of aging and help to design the strategies for prevention of age-related diseases.

Key words: Drosophila , aging, microRNA (miRNA), signaling pathway, expression pattern, target gene