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Scvi Tools

AnthropicOfficialPublished by Anthropic

  • Skill
  • Tool integration
  • Data and AI
  • Apache-2.0
  • Low risk
  • Has scripts

From the author

Deep learning for single-cell analysis using scvi-tools. This skill should be used when users need (1) data integration and batch correction with scVI/scANVI, (2) ATAC-seq analysis with PeakVI, (3) CITE-seq multi-modal analysis with totalVI, (4) multiome RNA+ATAC analysis with MultiVI, (5) spatial transcriptomics deconvolution with DestVI, (6) label transfer and reference mapping with scANVI/scArches, (7) RNA velocity with veloVI, or (8) any deep learning-based single-cell method. Triggers include mentions of scVI, scANVI, totalVI, PeakVI, MultiVI, DestVI, veloVI, sysVI, scArches, variational autoencoder, VAE, batch correction, data integration, multi-modal, CITE-seq, multiome, reference mapping, latent space.
— the description by Anthropic

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

  1. Download the skill as a ZIP:

    https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/anthropics/scvi-tools/download
  2. Unzip 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

  1. Identify the appropriate workflow from the model/workflow tables below

  2. Read the corresponding reference file for detailed steps and code

  3. Use scripts in scripts/ to avoid rewriting common code

  4. For installation or GPU issues, consult references/environment_setup.md

  5. For 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 TypeModelPrimary Use Case
scRNA-seqscVIUnsupervised integration, DE, imputation
scRNA-seq + labelsscANVILabel transfer, semi-supervised integration
CITE-seq (RNA+protein)totalVIMulti-modal integration, protein denoising
scATAC-seqPeakVIChromatin accessibility analysis
Multiome (RNA+ATAC)MultiVIJoint modality analysis
Spatial + scRNA referenceDestVICell type deconvolution
RNA velocityveloVITranscriptional dynamics
Cross-technologysysVISystem-level batch correction

Workflow Reference Files

WorkflowReference FileDescription
Environment Setupreferences/environment_setup.mdInstallation, GPU, version info
Data Preparationreferences/data_preparation.mdFormatting data for any model
scRNA Integrationreferences/scrna_integration.mdscVI/scANVI batch correction
ATAC-seq Analysisreferences/atac_peakvi.mdPeakVI for accessibility
CITE-seq Analysisreferences/citeseq_totalvi.mdtotalVI for protein+RNA
Multiome Analysisreferences/multiome_multivi.mdMultiVI for RNA+ATAC
Spatial Deconvolutionreferences/spatial_deconvolution.mdDestVI spatial analysis
Label Transferreferences/label_transfer.mdscANVI reference mapping
scArches Mappingreferences/scarches_mapping.mdQuery-to-reference mapping
Batch Correctionreferences/batch_correction_sysvi.mdAdvanced batch methods
RNA Velocityreferences/rna_velocity_velovi.mdveloVI dynamics
Troubleshootingreferences/troubleshooting.mdCommon issues and solutions

CLI Scripts

Modular scripts for common workflows. Chain together or modify as needed.

Pipeline Scripts
ScriptPurposeUsage
prepare_data.pyQC, filter, HVG selectionpython scripts/prepare_data.py raw.h5ad prepared.h5ad --batch-key batch
train_model.pyTrain any scvi-tools modelpython scripts/train_model.py prepared.h5ad results/ --model scvi
cluster_embed.pyNeighbors, UMAP, Leidenpython scripts/cluster_embed.py adata.h5ad results/
differential_expression.pyDE analysispython scripts/differential_expression.py model/ adata.h5ad de.csv --groupby leiden
transfer_labels.pyLabel transfer with scANVIpython scripts/transfer_labels.py ref_model/ query.h5ad results/
integrate_datasets.pyMulti-dataset integrationpython scripts/integrate_datasets.py results/ data1.h5ad data2.h5ad
validate_adata.pyCheck data compatibilitypython 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 leiden
Python Utilities

The scripts/model_utils.py provides importable functions for custom workflows:

FunctionPurpose
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

  1. 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")
  2. 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()
  3. 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

references/data_preparation.md

Data Preparation for scvi-tools

This reference covers how to properly prepare AnnData objects for use with scvi-tools models.

Overview

Proper data preparation is critical for scvi-tools. Key requirements:

  1. Raw counts (not normalized)

  2. Highly variable gene selection

  3. Proper setup_anndata() call

Step 1: Load and Inspect Data

import scanpy as sc
import scvi
import numpy as np

# Load data
adata = sc.read_h5ad("data.h5ad")

# Check what's in adata.X
print(f"Shape: {adata.shape}")
print(f"X dtype: {adata.X.dtype}")
print(f"X contains integers: {np.allclose(adata.X.data, adata.X.data.astype(int))}")
print(f"X min: {adata.X.min()}, max: {adata.X.max()}")
Verify Raw Counts
# scvi-tools needs INTEGER counts
# If X appears normalized, check for raw counts

if hasattr(adata, 'raw') and adata.raw is not None:
    print("Found adata.raw")
    # Use raw counts
    adata = adata.raw.to_adata()
    
# Or check layers
if 'counts' in adata.layers:
    print("Found counts layer")
    # Will specify layer in setup_anndata

Step 2: Basic Filtering

# Filter cells (standard QC)
sc.pp.filter_cells(adata, min_genes=200)
sc.pp.filter_cells(adata, max_genes=5000)

# Calculate mito percent if not present
# Handle both human (MT-) and mouse (mt-, Mt-) mitochondrial genes
adata.var['mt'] = (
    adata.var_names.str.startswith('MT-') |
    adata.var_names.str.startswith('mt-') |
    adata.var_names.str.startswith('Mt-')
)
sc.pp.calculate_qc_metrics(adata, qc_vars=['mt'], inplace=True)
adata = adata[adata.obs['pct_counts_mt'] < 20].copy()

# Filter genes
sc.pp.filter_genes(adata, min_cells=3)

print(f"After filtering: {adata.shape}")

Step 3: Store Raw Counts

Critical: Always preserve raw counts before any normalization.

# Store raw counts in a layer
adata.layers["counts"] = adata.X.copy()

# Now you can normalize for other purposes (HVG selection)
# But scvi will use the counts layer

Step 4: Highly Variable Gene Selection

scvi-tools works best with 1,500-5,000 HVGs.

For Single-Batch Data
# Normalize for HVG selection only
adata_hvg = adata.copy()
sc.pp.normalize_total(adata_hvg, target_sum=1e4)
sc.pp.log1p(adata_hvg)

# Select HVGs
sc.pp.highly_variable_genes(
    adata_hvg,
    n_top_genes=2000,
    flavor="seurat"  # or "cell_ranger"
)

# Transfer HVG annotation
adata.var['highly_variable'] = adata_hvg.var['highly_variable']
# Use seurat_v3 flavor with batch_key
# This selects genes variable across batches
sc.pp.highly_variable_genes(
    adata,
    n_top_genes=2000,
    flavor="seurat_v3",
    batch_key="batch",  # Your batch column
    layer="counts"      # Use raw counts
)
Subset to HVGs
# Subset to highly variable genes
adata = adata[:, adata.var['highly_variable']].copy()
print(f"After HVG selection: {adata.shape}")

Step 5: Setup AnnData

The setup_anndata() function registers data for the model.

Basic Setup
scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(
    adata,
    layer="counts"  # Specify layer with raw counts
)
With Batch Information
scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(
    adata,
    layer="counts",
    batch_key="batch"  # Column in adata.obs
)
With Cell Type Labels (for scANVI)
scvi.model.SCANVI.setup_anndata(
    adata,
    layer="counts",
    batch_key="batch",
    labels_key="cell_type"  # Column with cell type labels
)
With Continuous Covariates
scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(
    adata,
    layer="counts",
    batch_key="batch",
    continuous_covariate_keys=["percent_mito", "n_genes"]
)
With Categorical Covariates
scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(
    adata,
    layer="counts",
    batch_key="batch",
    categorical_covariate_keys=["donor", "technology"]
)

Multi-Modal Data Setup

CITE-seq (for totalVI)
# Protein data in adata.obsm
# RNA in adata.X, protein in separate matrix

# Add protein data
adata.obsm["protein_expression"] = protein_counts  # numpy array

# Setup for totalVI
scvi.model.TOTALVI.setup_anndata(
    adata,
    layer="counts",
    batch_key="batch",
    protein_expression_obsm_key="protein_expression"
)
Multiome RNA+ATAC (for MultiVI)
# RNA and ATAC in separate AnnData objects or MuData

import mudata as md

# If using MuData
mdata = md.read("multiome.h5mu")

scvi.model.MULTIVI.setup_mudata(
    mdata,
    rna_layer="counts",
    protein_layer=None,
    batch_key="batch",
    modalities={"rna": "rna", "accessibility": "atac"}
)

Complete Preparation Pipeline

For a complete preparation function, use prepare_adata() from scripts/model_utils.py:

from model_utils import prepare_adata

# Prepare data with QC, HVG selection, and layer setup
adata = prepare_adata(
    adata,
    batch_key="batch",
    n_top_genes=2000,
    min_genes=200,
    max_mito_pct=20
)

# Then setup for your model
import scvi
scvi.model.SCVI.setup_anndata(adata, layer="counts", batch_key="batch")

This function handles:

  • Mitochondrial QC filtering

  • Cell and gene filtering

  • Storing counts in layer

  • HVG selection (batch-aware if batch_key provided)

  • Subsetting to HVGs

Checking Setup

# View registered data
print(adata.uns['_scvi_manager_uuid'])
print(adata.uns['_scvi_adata_minify_type'])

# For scVI
scvi.model.SCVI.view_anndata_setup(adata)

Common Issues and Solutions

IssueCauseSolution
"X should contain integers"Normalized data in XUse layer="counts"
"batch_key not found"Wrong column nameCheck adata.obs.columns
Sparse matrix errorsIncompatible formatConvert: adata.X = adata.X.toarray()
Memory errorToo many genesSubset to HVGs first
NaN in dataMissing valuesFilter or impute

Data Format Reference

Required
  • adata.X or adata.layers["counts"]: Raw integer counts (sparse OK)

  • adata.obs: Cell metadata DataFrame

  • adata.var: Gene metadata DataFrame

  • adata.obs["batch"]: Batch/sample identifiers

  • adata.var["highly_variable"]: HVG boolean mask

For scANVI
  • adata.obs["labels"]: Cell type annotations

  • Can include "Unknown" for unlabeled cells

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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