Journal of cellular and molecular medicine
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Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified in diverse cancers for their role in regulating multiple cellular processes by antagonizing microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). However, the role of circRNA hsa_circ_0000092 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still remains enigmatic. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the specific mechanism of hsa_circ_0000092 in HCC. ⋯ Moreover, depleted hsa_circ_0000092 or elevated miR-338-3p was shown to suppress HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro via down-regulation of HN1. Furthermore, silencing hsa_circ_0000092 was demonstrated to suppress tumour growth in HCC in vivo. The results of this study suggested that hsa_circ_0000092 impaired miR-338-3p-mediated HN1 inhibition to aggravate the development of HCC, indicating that hsa_circ_0000092 is a potential candidate marker and therapeutic target for HCC.