Objective <p>The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of linc01748 in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and cell lines, and to reveal the influence and potential mechanism of linc01748 on the biological behavior of GC cells.</p> Methods <p>Linc01748 levels in GC were predicted through bioinformatics software. The proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of GC cells were respectively estimated by cell function tests. The RT-qPCR experiment was implemented to measure the levels of key proteins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The miRNAs regulated downstream of linc01748 were preliminarily screened through literature review and bioinformatics prediction. The relationship of miR-130a-5p to linc01748 was validated by dual-luciferase assay. The effect of the linc01748/miR-130a-5p axis on the expression of EMT-related genes was detected via in vitro cell experiments. MiR-130a-5p target genes were predicted using bioinformatics databases and verified by luciferase reporter gene experiments.</p> Results <p>Linc01748 expression in GC tissues and cell lines is significantly upregulated and is associated with prognosis. Linc01748 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC and regulates the expression of key proteins in EMT. miR-130a-5p is lowly expressed in GC and can mediate the cancer-promoting effect of linc01748. POU2F1 is the target gene of the linc01748/miR-130a-5p axis, and its expression is negatively correlated with miR-130a-5p.</p> Conclusion <p>Linc01748 is highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines and is closely related to the prognosis. The linc01748/miR-130a-5p axis regulates POU2F1 expression, thereby facilitating the progression of GC and EMT.</p>