In conclusion, this study discovered MCM3AP-AS1 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion in PC through regulating miR-138-5p and FOXK1, providing insights into MCM3AP-AS1/miR-138-5p/FOXK1 axis as new candidates targeting PC therapeutics for drug design and development from bench to clinic. The gene discussed is MCM3AP; the disease is pachyonychia congenita.