In conclusion, our study revealed that LINC01234, which is significantly upregulated in colon cancer, could be a molecular sponge for miR-642a-5p, relieving the posttranscriptional suppression of SHMT2 caused by miR-642a-5p and consequently promoting cell proliferation via regulating serine/glycine metabolism (Supplement Fig. 7). The gene discussed is SHMT2; the disease is malignant colon neoplasm.