GBP1 as a Machine Learning-Prioritized Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Multi-Omics Causal Validation

The study investigates the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and identifies GBP1 as a key biomarker and therapeutic target. Using Mendelian randomization and machine learning, the researchers found that regulatory T cells and B cells mediate the increased risk of ccRCC associated with EBV. Among 24 genes co-expressed in these immune cells, GBP1 was highlighted as the core target, supported by multi-omics validation and SHAP analysis. Drug prediction and molecular docking suggest that finasteride could inhibit GBP1, providing a potential new strategy for ccRCC prevention and treatment.