Inhibition of autophagy augments the anti-CRC effects of CPX. A and B. The cell viability of CRC cells treated with indicated concentrations of CPX in the presence or absence of 10 μM CQ for 24 hours was detected by CCK8 assays. C. The cell viability of CRC cells transfected with siNC or siATG5 for 24 hours, followed by treatment with or without 20 μM CPX for another 24 hours was detected by CCK8 assays. D. EdU assay of CRC cells treated with or without 10 μM CQ in the presence or absence of 20 μM CPX for 24 hours. The EdU incorporation was quantitated. Scale bar, 100 μm. E and F. HCT116 cells and SW480 cells were treated with indicated concentrations of CPX in the presence or absence of 10 μM CQ. Cell proliferation was detected by colony formation assay. G. CRC cells were transfected with siNC or siATG5 for 24 hours, followed by treatment with or without 20 μM CPX for another 24 hours. Cells were fixed, stained with Annexin V/PI, and then analyzed by flow cytometry. The development of apoptosis was quantitated. Data are means ± s.d. and are representative of 3 independent experiments. *, P < 0.05, **, P < 0.01, ***, P < 0.001.