Background/Aims: The colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) gene is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) that is upregulated in colorectal cancer and glioma. Here, we investigated the regulatory function of CRNDE in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: CRNDE and miR-145 expression were assayed by qRT-PCR, and E2F3 protein expression was measured by western blotting. A luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the direct regulation of miR-145 by CRNDE. Cell viability and colony formation of human GC cells were detected using MTT and colony formation assay, respectively. Results: CRNDE was highly expressed in GC cell lines and tissues; overexpression of CRNDE increased GC cell viability and promoted colony formation. Knockdown of CRNDE did not result in loss of expression-related effects on cell proliferation and colony formation. Further investigation revealed that the miR-145 target gene E2F3 was strongly expressed following CRNDE competitive molecular sponging of miR-145. Conclusion: CRNDE acted as a growth-promoting lncRNA in GC and maybe a potential target of GC treatment.