The field of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) has expanded over the last decade following 
the discoveries of several new classes of regulatory ncRNA. A growing amount of 
evidence now indicates that ncRNAs are involved even in the most fundamental of 
cellular processes. The heat shock response is no exception as ncRNAs are being 
identified as integral components of this process. Although this area of 
research is only in its infancy, this article focuses on several classes of 
regulatory ncRNA (i.e., miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA), while summarizing their 
activities in mammalian heat shock. We also present an updated model integrating 
the traditional heat shock response with the activities of regulatory ncRNA. Our 
model expands on the mechanisms for efficient execution of the stress response, 
while offering a more comprehensive summary of the major regulators and 
responders in heat shock signaling. It is our hope that much of what is 
discussed herein may help researchers in integrating the fields of heat shock 
and ncRNA in mammals.