In summary, our findings provide in vitro and in vivo evidence to support the notion that circHMGCS1–016 overexpression serves as a “driver” in ICC development by enhancing the invasiveness of tumor cells and reshaping the TME of ICC via miR-1236-3p/CD73 and GAL-8 axis. The gene discussed is LGALS8; the disease is intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.