Knockdown of retinoblastoma protein may sensitize glioma cells to cisplatin through inhibition of autophagy

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to its limited sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cisplatin (CCDP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for tumors, but the agent often results in the development of chemo-resistance. In several cancers, cisplatin resistance is associated with autophagy induction. Here, we found that in glioma cells cisplatin treatment induced autophagy. Our data indicates that the autophagy induction plays a critical role in cisplatin resistance of glioma cells, knockdown of RB inhibited autophagy induced by cisplatin, and inhibition of autophagy improved cisplatin-induced apoptosis. It suggests that a combination of autophagy inhibitors with cisplatin may improve the therapeutic efficiency of cisplatin towards GBM with acquired resistance.