Similarly, circSMEK1 was identified as a potential miRNA‐sponge, with Ago2‐RIP and luciferase assays confirming interaction with hsa‐miR‐301a‐3p, whereas modulating hsa‐miR‐301a‐3p failed to affect HCC proliferation or invasion. This evidence concerns the gene AGO2 and hepatocellular carcinoma.