BackgroundAccumulating studies have found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) have a regulatory effect in a variety of tumors. However, to date, the relationship between specific circRNAs and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive. MethodsAn RNA-sequencing method based on different metastatic potential of CRC cell lines was applied to evaluate the circRNA expression profile. Additionally, we conducted a series of experiments to assess the relationship between circRNAs and CRC progression. ResultsCirc_0001742 was upregulated in CRC cells with high metastatic potential, and circ_0001742 overexpression was observed to facilitate proliferation, migration and metastasis while knockdown will inhibit. More importantly, we found that circ_0001742 acted as a sponge for miR-431-5p, thus affecting ALG8 levels and the development of CRC. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated an essential function for the circ_0001742/miR-431-5p/ALG8 axis in CRC development, and it may be a promising therapeutic target for CRC.