Identifying CTSF and GSTM3 as chemoresistance therapeutic targets in breast cancer through multi-omics MR analysis

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with drug resistance remaining a major therapeutic challenge. We integrated multi-omics data—including GWAS, eQTL, and pQTL—with Mendelian randomization to identify genes associated with breast cancer risk and therapy response. Our analyses revealed CTSF and GSTM3 as key candidates, showing consistent associations at both RNA and protein levels. Functional studies indicated that CTSF expression correlates with taxane resistance but cyclophosphamide sensitivity, while GSTM3 influences response across multiple regimens. Enrichment analyses suggest roles in immune and hormone signaling pathways. These findings highlight CTSF and GSTM3 as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance in breast cancer.