Circ_016719 plays a critical role in neuron cell apoptosis induced by I/R via targeting miR-29c/Map2k6.

•Increased expression of Circ_016719 and Map2k6 were observed after I/R treatment.•Decreased expression of miR-29c was observed in vivo and in vitro after I/R treatment.•Decreased expression of Circ_016719 increased cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis after I/R treatment.•Circ_016719 directly targeted miR-29c, which negatively mediated the pro-apoptotic effect of the circRNA.•Map2k6 was a direct target of miR-29c, and resultantly mediate the effects of Circ_016719/miR-29c