--- - |2 Abstract Objectives SMAD3 is pivotal in the biology functions of various tumors. This study is aiming to study the relationship among SMAD3, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) OPA‐interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5‐AS1), and miR‐143‐3p, and their effects on cervical cancer. Methods In our research, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were conducted to detect the expression level of messenger RNA and protein in tumor tissues and cells. Transfection of lncRNA OIP5‐AS1, miR‐143‐3p, or SMAD3 was performed to investigate their potential effects on the function of cell as well as the relationship among them in cervical cell lines via 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) together with transwell assays or dual‐luciferase reporter assay respectively. Results SMAD3, lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 expression is significantly enhanced in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines, but miR‐143‐3p was inhibited. LncRNA OIP5‐AS1 is demonstrated to mediate the physiological process of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, silencing SMAD3 via siRNA suppressed cell number, viability, migration and invasion, whereas overexpression of OIP5‐AS1 promoted these abilities. Furthermore, lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 exert its function via sponging miR‐143‐3p to regulate SMAD3 expression. Conclusions LncRNA OIP5‐AS1 promoted SMAD3 expression via mediating miR‐143‐3p to promote migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. - Journal of Cellular Physiology, EarlyView.