MALAT1 promotes proliferation and suppresses apoptosis of glioma cells through derepressing Rap1B by sponging miR-101. The present study elucidates a novel MALAT1-miR-101-Rap1B regulatory axis in glioma, contributing to a better understanding of the glioma pathogenesis and providing a promising therapeutic target for glioma patients. MALAT1 was found to be upregulated in glioma tissues and correlated with the progression of glioma.Although enormous efforts have been made to improve therapeutic strategies, the mortality of malignant glioma remains high and the median survival is less than 14 months. At present, the main treatment methods of glioma include surgical techniques, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, however, these traditional treatments obtain a poor prognosis due to the highly invasive nature and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy of glioma.