•LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 expression was elevated in glioma cell lines and tissues.•Knocking down lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 suppressed the migration and proliferation of glioma cells, hampered tumor growth, and boosted apoptosis.•LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 may act as a sponge to bind to miR-382–3p.•LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 knockdown suppressed cell migration and proliferation and stimulated apoptosis by upregulating miR-382–3p.•MiR-382-3p inhibitor reversed the promotive effects of BCAT1 knockdown on the malignant phenotypes of glioma cells.