Background <p>Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in tumor pathogenesis. However, their functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain largely unknown.</p> Methods <p>We discovered an upregulated circRNA, hsa_circ_0001829, within human PDAC cells using RNA-seq.&#xa0;hsa_circ_0001829 levels in PDAC tissues and cells were estimated by qRT-PCR, while its functional role was explored via loss and gain of function measurement. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were employed to understand the mechanism behind hsa_circ_0001829. We constructed mouse models of xenograft tumor and metastasis to examine the in-vivo activity of hsa_circ_0001829.</p> Results <p>hsa_circ_0001829 is markedly upregulated within PDAC cells and tissues. It promoted PDAC cell proliferation, invasion, and migrations and impacted cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Bioinformatics prediction, luciferase assay, and RNA Immunoprecipitation results identified hsa_circ_0001829 as miR-7113-3p’s molecular sponge, while DTX4 as miR-7113-3p’s target gene. hsa_circ_0001829 sponged miR-7113-3p to regulate the expression of DTX4 and enhanced PDAC development via the miR-7113-3P-DTX4 pathway. Inhibition of hsa_circ_0001829 prevented in-vivo cancer development.</p> Conclusion <p>Our results indicate that hsa_circ_0001829 promotes PDAC development via miR-7113-3p/DTX4 axis and could provide novel targets for PDAC diagnosis and treatment.</p> Trial registration <p>Not applicable.</p>