Our data strongly suggest that linc-DYNC2H1-4 acts as a sponge of miR-145 to upregulate the expression of its targets, MMP3, Oct4, Lin28, Nanog, Sox2 and ZEB1, thereby promoting EMT progression and CSC formation in pancreatic cancer cells. The gene discussed is POU5F1; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.