Scvi Tools
AnthropicOfficialPublished by Anthropic
- Skill
- Tool integration
- Data and AI
- Apache-2.0
- Low risk
- Has scripts
AutoGineer summary
Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author
scvi-tools provides a suite of probabilistic models designed for the analysis of single-cell data, including scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, and multi-modal datasets. It leverages variational autoencoders to handle batch correction, data integration, label transfer, and dimensionality reduction. This skill serves as a guide for utilizing specific models like scVI, scANVI, totalVI, PeakVI, MultiVI, DestVI, and veloVI, offering standardized workflows, CLI scripts for pipeline automation, and best practices for data preparation and model training.
What it does
- Performs batch correction and data integration across different experimental conditions.
- Supports multi-modal analysis for CITE-seq and multiome (RNA+ATAC) data.
- Enables label transfer and reference mapping between query and reference datasets.
- Facilitates spatial transcriptomics deconvolution and RNA velocity estimation.
- Provides modular Python scripts for common analysis pipelines.
- Offers guidance on model selection based on specific data types and research goals.
When to use it
- When integrating multiple single-cell datasets with significant batch effects.
- When analyzing multi-modal data such as CITE-seq or joint RNA+ATAC profiles.
- When performing reference-based label transfer or query-to-reference mapping.
- When conducting deep learning-based dimensionality reduction for clustering and visualization.
- When working with spatial transcriptomics or RNA velocity data.
Advantages
- Standardized approach to complex single-cell deep learning workflows.
- Modular scripts allow for reproducible and scalable analysis pipelines.
- Comprehensive model selection guide for diverse genomic data types.
- Built-in support for advanced tasks like batch correction and multi-modal integration.
- Clear documentation on data preparation requirements for probabilistic models.
Usage examples
- “How do I integrate two scRNA-seq datasets using scVI?”
- The agent provides the workflow for preparing the AnnData objects, selecting highly variable genes, setting up the model with batch keys, and training the scVI model.
- “I have CITE-seq data, which model should I use?”
- The agent identifies totalVI as the appropriate model and directs the user to the corresponding reference file for multi-modal integration.
- “How can I map my new scRNA-seq query data to an existing reference?”
- The agent explains the use of scArches for query-to-reference mapping and provides the necessary steps to configure the model.
- “What are the requirements for input data before training a model?”
- The agent outlines the necessity of raw integer count data, the importance of highly variable gene selection, and how to correctly set up the AnnData object.
Install
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/anthropics/scvi-tools/downloadUnzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:
mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip scvi-tools.zip -d .agents/skills
Documentation by Anthropic
scvi-tools Deep Learning Skill
This skill provides guidance for deep learning-based single-cell analysis using scvi-tools, the leading framework for probabilistic models in single-cell genomics.
How to Use This Skill
Identify the appropriate workflow from the model/workflow tables below
Read the corresponding reference file for detailed steps and code
Use scripts in
scripts/to avoid rewriting common codeFor installation or GPU issues, consult
references/environment_setup.mdFor debugging, consult
references/troubleshooting.md
When to Use This Skill
When scvi-tools, scVI, scANVI, or related models are mentioned
When deep learning-based batch correction or integration is needed
When working with multi-modal data (CITE-seq, multiome)
When reference mapping or label transfer is required
When analyzing ATAC-seq or spatial transcriptomics data
When learning latent representations of single-cell data
Model Selection Guide
| Data Type | Model | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| scRNA-seq | scVI | Unsupervised integration, DE, imputation |
| scRNA-seq + labels | scANVI | Label transfer, semi-supervised integration |
| CITE-seq (RNA+protein) | totalVI | Multi-modal integration, protein denoising |
| scATAC-seq | PeakVI | Chromatin accessibility analysis |
| Multiome (RNA+ATAC) | MultiVI | Joint modality analysis |
| Spatial + scRNA reference | DestVI | Cell type deconvolution |
| RNA velocity | veloVI | Transcriptional dynamics |
| Cross-technology | sysVI | System-level batch correction |
Workflow Reference Files
| Workflow | Reference File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Setup | references/environment_setup.md | Installation, GPU, version info |
| Data Preparation | references/data_preparation.md | Formatting data for any model |
| scRNA Integration | references/scrna_integration.md | scVI/scANVI batch correction |
| ATAC-seq Analysis | references/atac_peakvi.md | PeakVI for accessibility |
| CITE-seq Analysis | references/citeseq_totalvi.md | totalVI for protein+RNA |
| Multiome Analysis | references/multiome_multivi.md | MultiVI for RNA+ATAC |
| Spatial Deconvolution | references/spatial_deconvolution.md | DestVI spatial analysis |
| Label Transfer | references/label_transfer.md | scANVI reference mapping |
| scArches Mapping | references/scarches_mapping.md | Query-to-reference mapping |
| Batch Correction | references/batch_correction_sysvi.md | Advanced batch methods |
| RNA Velocity | references/rna_velocity_velovi.md | veloVI dynamics |
| Troubleshooting | references/troubleshooting.md | Common issues and solutions |
CLI Scripts
Modular scripts for common workflows. Chain together or modify as needed.
Pipeline Scripts
| Script | Purpose | Usage |
|---|---|---|
prepare_data.py | QC, filter, HVG selection | python scripts/prepare_data.py raw.h5ad prepared.h5ad --batch-key batch |
train_model.py | Train any scvi-tools model | python scripts/train_model.py prepared.h5ad results/ --model scvi |
cluster_embed.py | Neighbors, UMAP, Leiden | python scripts/cluster_embed.py adata.h5ad results/ |
differential_expression.py | DE analysis | python scripts/differential_expression.py model/ adata.h5ad de.csv --groupby leiden |
transfer_labels.py | Label transfer with scANVI | python scripts/transfer_labels.py ref_model/ query.h5ad results/ |
integrate_datasets.py | Multi-dataset integration | python scripts/integrate_datasets.py results/ data1.h5ad data2.h5ad |
validate_adata.py | Check data compatibility | python scripts/validate_adata.py data.h5ad --batch-key batch |
Example Workflow
# 1. Validate input data
python scripts/validate_adata.py raw.h5ad --batch-key batch --suggest
# 2. Prepare data (QC, HVG selection)
python scripts/prepare_data.py raw.h5ad prepared.h5ad --batch-key batch --n-hvgs 2000
# 3. Train model
python scripts/train_model.py prepared.h5ad results/ --model scvi --batch-key batch
# 4. Cluster and visualize
python scripts/cluster_embed.py results/adata_trained.h5ad results/ --resolution 0.8
# 5. Differential expression
python scripts/differential_expression.py results/model results/adata_clustered.h5ad results/de.csv --groupby leidenPython Utilities
The scripts/model_utils.py provides importable functions for custom workflows:
| Function | Purpose |
|---|---|
prepare_adata() | Data preparation (QC, HVG, layer setup) |
train_scvi() | Train scVI or scANVI |
evaluate_integration() | Compute integration metrics |
get_marker_genes() | Extract DE markers |
save_results() | Save model, data, plots |
auto_select_model() | Suggest best model |
quick_clustering() | Neighbors + UMAP + Leiden |
Critical Requirements
Raw counts required: scvi-tools models require integer count data
adata.layers["counts"] = adata.X.copy() # Before normalization scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(adata, layer="counts")HVG selection: Use 2000-4000 highly variable genes
sc.pp.highly_variable_genes(adata, n_top_genes=2000, batch_key="batch", layer="counts", flavor="seurat_v3") adata = adata[:, adata.var['highly_variable']].copy()Batch information: Specify batch_key for integration
scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(adata, layer="counts", batch_key="batch")
Quick Decision Tree
Need to integrate scRNA-seq data?
├── Have cell type labels? → scANVI (references/label_transfer.md)
└── No labels? → scVI (references/scrna_integration.md)
Have multi-modal data?
├── CITE-seq (RNA + protein)? → totalVI (references/citeseq_totalvi.md)
├── Multiome (RNA + ATAC)? → MultiVI (references/multiome_multivi.md)
└── scATAC-seq only? → PeakVI (references/atac_peakvi.md)
Have spatial data?
└── Need cell type deconvolution? → DestVI (references/spatial_deconvolution.md)
Have pre-trained reference model?
└── Map query to reference? → scArches (references/scarches_mapping.md)
Need RNA velocity?
└── veloVI (references/rna_velocity_velovi.md)
Strong cross-technology batch effects?
└── sysVI (references/batch_correction_sysvi.md)Key Resources
Files
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer932 B
- LICENSE.txt10.0 KiB
- SKILL.md7.2 KiB
- references/atac_peakvi.md9.3 KiB
- references/batch_correction_sysvi.md10.2 KiB
- references/citeseq_totalvi.md10.1 KiB
- references/data_preparation.md6.2 KiB
- references/environment_setup.md6.3 KiB
- references/label_transfer.md10.2 KiB
- references/multiome_multivi.md8.9 KiB
- references/rna_velocity_velovi.md8.6 KiB
- references/scarches_mapping.md10.8 KiB
- references/scrna_integration.md9.6 KiB
- references/spatial_deconvolution.md11.2 KiB
- references/troubleshooting.md10.8 KiB
- scripts/cluster_embed.pyScript6.3 KiB
- scripts/differential_expression.pyScript6.7 KiB
- scripts/integrate_datasets.pyScript6.9 KiB
- scripts/model_utils.pyScript17.0 KiB
- scripts/prepare_data.pyScript5.1 KiB
- scripts/train_model.pyScript11.3 KiB
- scripts/transfer_labels.pyScript7.2 KiB
- scripts/validate_adata.pyScript11.9 KiB
references/atac_peakvi.md
scATAC-seq Analysis with PeakVI
This reference covers single-cell ATAC-seq analysis using PeakVI for dimensionality reduction, batch correction, and differential accessibility.
Overview
PeakVI is a deep generative model for scATAC-seq data that:
Models binary accessibility (peak open/closed)
Handles batch effects
Provides latent representation for clustering
Enables differential accessibility analysis
Prerequisites
import scvi
import scanpy as sc
import numpy as np
import anndata as ad
print(f"scvi-tools version: {scvi.__version__}")Step 1: Load and Prepare ATAC Data
From 10x Genomics (Cell Ranger ATAC)
# Peak-cell matrix from fragments
# Usually in filtered_peak_bc_matrix format
adata = sc.read_10x_h5("filtered_peak_bc_matrix.h5")
# Or from mtx format
adata = sc.read_10x_mtx("filtered_peak_bc_matrix/")
# Check structure
print(f"Cells: {adata.n_obs}, Peaks: {adata.n_vars}")
print(f"Sparsity: {1 - adata.X.nnz / (adata.n_obs * adata.n_vars):.2%}")From ArchR/Signac
# Export from ArchR (in R)
# saveArchRProject(proj, outputDirectory="atac_export", load=FALSE)
# Then read the exported files in Python
# From Signac:
# Export peak matrix and metadataStep 2: Quality Control
# Calculate QC metrics
sc.pp.calculate_qc_metrics(adata, inplace=True)
# Key metrics for ATAC:
# - n_genes_by_counts: peaks per cell (should rename)
# - total_counts: fragments per cell
adata.obs['n_peaks'] = adata.obs['n_genes_by_counts']
adata.obs['total_fragments'] = adata.obs['total_counts']
# Filter cells
adata = adata[adata.obs['n_peaks'] > 500].copy()
adata = adata[adata.obs['n_peaks'] < 50000].copy() # Remove potential doublets
# Filter peaks (accessible in at least n cells)
sc.pp.filter_genes(adata, min_cells=10)
print(f"After QC: {adata.shape}")Binarize Data
# PeakVI works with binary accessibility
# Binarize if not already binary
adata.X = (adata.X > 0).astype(np.float32)
# Verify
print(f"Unique values: {np.unique(adata.X.data)}")Step 3: Feature Selection
Unlike RNA-seq, peak selection for ATAC is less established. Options:
Option A: Most Accessible Peaks
# Select top peaks by accessibility frequency
peak_accessibility = np.array(adata.X.sum(axis=0)).flatten()
top_peaks = np.argsort(peak_accessibility)[-50000:] # Top 50k peaks
adata = adata[:, top_peaks].copy()Option B: Variable Peaks
# Select peaks with high variance
# (Most informative for clustering)
from sklearn.feature_selection import VarianceThreshold
selector = VarianceThreshold(threshold=0.05)
selector.fit(adata.X)
adata = adata[:, selector.get_support()].copy()Option C: Peaks Near Genes
# Keep peaks within promoter regions or gene bodies
# Requires peak annotation
# gene_peaks = peaks with gene annotation
# adata = adata[:, adata.var['near_gene']].copy()Step 4: Add Batch Information
# Add batch annotation if multiple samples
adata.obs['batch'] = adata.obs['sample_id'] # Or appropriate column
print(adata.obs['batch'].value_counts())Step 5: Setup and Train PeakVI
# Setup AnnData
scvi.model.PEAKVI.setup_anndata(
adata,
batch_key="batch" # Optional, omit for single batch
)
# Create model
model = scvi.model.PEAKVI(
adata,
n_latent=20, # Latent dimensions
n_layers_encoder=2,
n_layers_decoder=2
)
# Train
model.train(
max_epochs=200,
early_stopping=True,
batch_size=128
)
# Check training
model.history['elbo_train'].plot()Step 6: Get Latent Representation
# Latent space for downstream analysis
adata.obsm["X_PeakVI"] = model.get_latent_representation()
# Clustering and visualization
sc.pp.neighbors(adata, use_rep="X_PeakVI", n_neighbors=15)
sc.tl.umap(adata)
sc.tl.leiden(adata, resolution=0.5)
# Visualize
sc.pl.umap(adata, color=['leiden', 'batch'], ncols=2)Step 7: Differential Accessibility
# Differential accessibility between clusters
da_results = model.differential_accessibility(
groupby='leiden',
group1='0',
group2='1'
)
# Filter significant peaks
da_sig = da_results[
(da_results['is_da_fdr_0.05']) &
(abs(da_results['lfc_mean']) > 1)
]
print(f"Significant DA peaks: {len(da_sig)}")
print(da_sig.head())DA Between Conditions
# Compare conditions within cell type
adata_subset = adata[adata.obs['cell_type'] == 'CD4 T cells'].copy()
da_condition = model.differential_accessibility(
groupby='condition',
group1='treated',
group2='control'
)Step 8: Peak Annotation
# Annotate peaks with nearest genes
# Using pybedtools or similar
# Example peak name format: chr1:1000-2000
# Parse into bed format for annotation
import pandas as pd
def parse_peak_names(peak_names):
"""Parse peak names into bed format."""
records = []
for peak in peak_names:
chrom, coords = peak.split(':')
start, end = coords.split('-')
records.append({
'chrom': chrom,
'start': int(start),
'end': int(end),
'peak': peak
})
return pd.DataFrame(records)
peak_bed = parse_peak_names(adata.var_names)Step 9: Motif Analysis
# Export significant peaks for motif analysis
# Use HOMER, MEME, or chromVAR
# Export peak sequences
sig_peaks = da_sig.index.tolist()
peak_bed_sig = peak_bed[peak_bed['peak'].isin(sig_peaks)]
peak_bed_sig.to_csv("significant_peaks.bed", sep='\t', index=False, header=False)
# Then run HOMER:
# findMotifsGenome.pl significant_peaks.bed hg38 motif_output/ -size 200Step 10: Gene Activity Scores
# Compute gene activity from peak accessibility
# (Requires peak-gene annotations)
def compute_gene_activity(adata, peak_gene_map):
"""
Compute gene activity scores from peak accessibility.
Parameters
----------
adata : AnnData
ATAC data with peaks
peak_gene_map : dict
Mapping of peaks to genes
Returns
-------
AnnData with gene activity scores
"""
from scipy.sparse import csr_matrix
genes = list(set(peak_gene_map.values()))
gene_matrix = np.zeros((adata.n_obs, len(genes)))
for i, gene in enumerate(genes):
gene_peaks = [p for p, g in peak_gene_map.items() if g == gene]
if gene_peaks:
peak_idx = [list(adata.var_names).index(p) for p in gene_peaks if p in adata.var_names]
if peak_idx:
gene_matrix[:, i] = np.array(adata.X[:, peak_idx].sum(axis=1)).flatten()
adata_gene = ad.AnnData(
X=csr_matrix(gene_matrix),
obs=adata.obs.copy(),
var=pd.DataFrame(index=genes)
)
return adata_geneComplete Pipeline
def analyze_scatac(
adata,
batch_key=None,
n_top_peaks=50000,
n_latent=20,
resolution=0.5
):
"""
Complete scATAC-seq analysis with PeakVI.
Parameters
----------
adata : AnnData
Raw peak-cell matrix
batch_key : str, optional
Batch annotation column
n_top_peaks : int
Number of top peaks to use
n_latent : int
Latent dimensions
resolution : float
Leiden clustering resolution
Returns
-------
Tuple of (processed AnnData, trained model)
"""
import scvi
import scanpy as sc
import numpy as np
adata = adata.copy()
# QC
sc.pp.calculate_qc_metrics(adata, inplace=True)
adata = adata[adata.obs['n_genes_by_counts'] > 500].copy()
sc.pp.filter_genes(adata, min_cells=10)
# Binarize
adata.X = (adata.X > 0).astype(np.float32)
# Select top peaks
if adata.n_vars > n_top_peaks:
peak_accessibility = np.array(adata.X.sum(axis=0)).flatten()
top_peaks = np.argsort(peak_accessibility)[-n_top_peaks:]
adata = adata[:, top_peaks].copy()
# Setup PeakVI
scvi.model.PEAKVI.setup_anndata(adata, batch_key=batch_key)
# Train
model = scvi.model.PEAKVI(adata, n_latent=n_latent)
model.train(max_epochs=200, early_stopping=True)
# Latent representation
adata.obsm["X_PeakVI"] = model.get_latent_representation()
# Clustering
sc.pp.neighbors(adata, use_rep="X_PeakVI")
sc.tl.umap(adata)
sc.tl.leiden(adata, resolution=resolution)
return adata, model
# Usage
adata, model = analyze_scatac(
adata,
batch_key="sample",
n_top_peaks=50000
)
# Visualize
sc.pl.umap(adata, color=['leiden', 'sample'])
# Differential accessibility
da_results = model.differential_accessibility(
groupby='leiden',
group1='0',
group2='1'
)Integration with scRNA-seq
For multiome data or separate RNA/ATAC from same cells:
# See MultiVI for joint RNA+ATAC analysis
# Or use WNN (weighted nearest neighbors) approach
# Transfer labels from RNA to ATAC using shared latent spaceTroubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Training slow | Too many peaks | Subset to top 50k peaks |
| Poor clustering | Too few informative peaks | Use variable peaks |
| Batch dominates | Strong technical effects | Ensure batch_key is set |
| Memory error | Large peak matrix | Use sparse format, reduce peaks |
Key References
Ashuach et al. (2022) "PeakVI: A deep generative model for single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis"
Requirements and compatibility
Written for: Claude Code, Claude apps
Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta
“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.
Needs: Needs Python
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Attribution and licence
- Published by
- Anthropic
- Publisher
- Anthropic (Official)
- Source
- anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins · bio-research/skills/scvi-tools · commit e050c2e
- Licence
- Apache License 2.0 (redistribution allowed)
- ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
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