Recent advances have brought non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) into the spotlight, revealing their critical regulatory roles in cancer cell plasticity. ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are now recognized as key players in cellular processes such as chromatin remodeling, mRNA stability, and translation. This review delves into the diverse functions of ncRNAs in stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) biology, emphasizing their impact on maintaining and modulating cellular states. We explore the mechanisms by which ncRNAs influence stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, including their roles in establishing pluripotency and directing differentiation. In the context of cancer, ncRNAs are pivotal in driving processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which underlies metastasis and therapy resistance. By regulating gene expression and epigenetic landscapes, ncRNAs sustain the dynamic nature of CSCs, facilitating tumor growth and heterogeneity. The review also highlights the potential clinical applications of ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Advances in ncRNA detection and manipulation have opened new avenues for developing diagnostic tools and innovative treatments. Liquid biopsies, which utilize ncRNAs from biological fluids, provide a minimally invasive approach to monitor tumor dynamics and progression. Uncovering the intricate networks regulated by ncRNAs makes it evident that these molecules play central roles in understanding cancer cell plasticity. Insights into their functions offer promising strategies for targeted cancer therapies, aiming to disrupt the adaptability of cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.

noncoding RNA, lineage plasticity, cancer stem cell, biomarker, therapeutic target