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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

scripts/validate_adata.py

#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Validation utilities for checking AnnData compatibility with scvi-tools.

Usage:
    python validate_adata.py data.h5ad

    # Or import as module
    from validate_adata import validate_for_scvi, ValidationResult
    result = validate_for_scvi(adata)
    print(result.summary())
"""

import argparse
import sys
from dataclasses import dataclass, field
from typing import Optional, List, Dict, Any
import warnings


@dataclass
class ValidationResult:
    """Results from AnnData validation."""

    is_valid: bool = True
    errors: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)
    warnings: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)
    info: Dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
    recommendations: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)

    def add_error(self, msg: str):
        """Add an error (makes validation fail)."""
        self.errors.append(msg)
        self.is_valid = False

    def add_warning(self, msg: str):
        """Add a warning (doesn't fail validation)."""
        self.warnings.append(msg)

    def add_recommendation(self, msg: str):
        """Add a recommendation for improvement."""
        self.recommendations.append(msg)

    def summary(self) -> str:
        """Generate summary report."""
        lines = []
        lines.append("=" * 60)
        lines.append("scvi-tools AnnData Validation Report")
        lines.append("=" * 60)

        # Status
        status = "PASSED" if self.is_valid else "FAILED"
        lines.append(f"\nStatus: {status}")

        # Info
        if self.info:
            lines.append("\n--- Data Summary ---")
            for key, value in self.info.items():
                lines.append(f"  {key}: {value}")

        # Errors
        if self.errors:
            lines.append(f"\n--- Errors ({len(self.errors)}) ---")
            for i, err in enumerate(self.errors, 1):
                lines.append(f"  {i}. {err}")

        # Warnings
        if self.warnings:
            lines.append(f"\n--- Warnings ({len(self.warnings)}) ---")
            for i, warn in enumerate(self.warnings, 1):
                lines.append(f"  {i}. {warn}")

        # Recommendations
        if self.recommendations:
            lines.append(f"\n--- Recommendations ({len(self.recommendations)}) ---")
            for i, rec in enumerate(self.recommendations, 1):
                lines.append(f"  {i}. {rec}")

        lines.append("\n" + "=" * 60)
        return "\n".join(lines)


def validate_for_scvi(
    adata,
    layer: Optional[str] = None,
    batch_key: Optional[str] = None,
    labels_key: Optional[str] = None,
    check_hvg: bool = True
) -> ValidationResult:
    """
    Validate AnnData for scvi-tools compatibility.

    Parameters
    ----------
    adata : AnnData
        Data to validate
    layer : str, optional
        Layer containing counts (if None, checks X)
    batch_key : str, optional
        Expected batch column in obs
    labels_key : str, optional
        Expected labels column in obs
    check_hvg : bool
        Check for highly variable genes

    Returns
    -------
    ValidationResult with errors, warnings, and recommendations
    """
    import numpy as np
    from scipy.sparse import issparse

    result = ValidationResult()

    # Basic info
    result.info["shape"] = f"{adata.n_obs} cells x {adata.n_vars} genes"
    result.info["layers"] = list(adata.layers.keys()) if adata.layers else "None"

    # Get data matrix to check
    if layer is not None:
        if layer not in adata.layers:
            result.add_error(f"Layer '{layer}' not found. Available: {list(adata.layers.keys())}")
            return result
        X = adata.layers[layer]
        result.info["checking"] = f"layer '{layer}'"
    else:
        X = adata.X
        result.info["checking"] = "adata.X"

    # Check for None or empty
    if X is None:
        result.add_error("Data matrix is None")
        return result

    if X.shape[0] == 0 or X.shape[1] == 0:
        result.add_error(f"Data matrix is empty: shape {X.shape}")
        return result

    # Convert to array for checking
    if issparse(X):
        result.info["sparse"] = True
        X_check = X.data  # Just check non-zero values
    else:
        result.info["sparse"] = False
        X_check = X.flatten()

    # Check for raw counts (integers)
    if len(X_check) > 0:
        is_integer = np.allclose(X_check, X_check.astype(int))
        result.info["contains_integers"] = is_integer

        if not is_integer:
            result.add_error(
                "Data does not contain integers (raw counts required). "
                "Found float values - data may be normalized."
            )
            result.add_recommendation(
                "Use adata.raw.to_adata() to recover raw counts, "
                "or specify a layer with raw counts"
            )

    # Check for negative values
    min_val = X.min()
    if min_val < 0:
        result.add_error(f"Data contains negative values (min={min_val})")

    # Check for NaN/Inf
    if issparse(X):
        has_nan = np.isnan(X.data).any()
        has_inf = np.isinf(X.data).any()
    else:
        has_nan = np.isnan(X).any()
        has_inf = np.isinf(X).any()

    if has_nan:
        result.add_error("Data contains NaN values")
    if has_inf:
        result.add_error("Data contains Inf values")

    # Check data range
    max_val = X.max()
    result.info["value_range"] = f"[{min_val}, {max_val}]"

    if max_val < 10:
        result.add_warning(
            f"Maximum value is {max_val}, which is very low. "
            "Data may be log-transformed or normalized."
        )

    # Check sparsity
    if issparse(X):
        sparsity = 1 - (X.nnz / (X.shape[0] * X.shape[1]))
        result.info["sparsity"] = f"{sparsity:.1%}"

        if sparsity < 0.5:
            result.add_warning(
                f"Data is only {sparsity:.1%} sparse. "
                "Consider if this is expected for your data type."
            )

    # Check batch key
    if batch_key is not None:
        if batch_key not in adata.obs.columns:
            result.add_error(
                f"batch_key '{batch_key}' not found in obs. "
                f"Available columns: {list(adata.obs.columns)}"
            )
        else:
            n_batches = adata.obs[batch_key].nunique()
            result.info["n_batches"] = n_batches

            if n_batches == 1:
                result.add_warning(
                    "Only 1 batch found. Batch correction may not be needed."
                )

            # Check for small batches
            batch_counts = adata.obs[batch_key].value_counts()
            small_batches = batch_counts[batch_counts < 50]
            if len(small_batches) > 0:
                result.add_warning(
                    f"{len(small_batches)} batches have fewer than 50 cells. "
                    "Consider merging small batches."
                )

    # Check labels key
    if labels_key is not None:
        if labels_key not in adata.obs.columns:
            result.add_error(
                f"labels_key '{labels_key}' not found in obs. "
                f"Available columns: {list(adata.obs.columns)}"
            )
        else:
            n_labels = adata.obs[labels_key].nunique()
            result.info["n_labels"] = n_labels

            # Check for rare labels
            label_counts = adata.obs[labels_key].value_counts()
            rare_labels = label_counts[label_counts < 30]
            if len(rare_labels) > 0:
                result.add_warning(
                    f"{len(rare_labels)} cell types have fewer than 30 cells. "
                    "Rare types may not be well learned."
                )

    # Check HVG
    if check_hvg:
        if 'highly_variable' not in adata.var.columns:
            result.add_recommendation(
                "No highly variable genes found. Run sc.pp.highly_variable_genes() "
                "and subset to HVGs for better performance."
            )
        else:
            n_hvg = adata.var['highly_variable'].sum()
            result.info["n_hvg"] = n_hvg

            if n_hvg < 1000:
                result.add_warning(
                    f"Only {n_hvg} HVGs selected. Consider using 2000-4000 for best results."
                )
            elif n_hvg > 5000:
                result.add_warning(
                    f"{n_hvg} HVGs selected. Consider reducing to 2000-4000 "
                    "for efficiency."
                )

    # Check gene count
    if adata.n_vars > 30000:
        result.add_recommendation(
            f"Dataset has {adata.n_vars} genes. Subset to HVGs (2000-4000) "
            "for faster training and better results."
        )

    # Check cell count
    if adata.n_obs < 1000:
        result.add_warning(
            f"Dataset has only {adata.n_obs} cells. "
            "Deep learning models work best with >5000 cells."
        )

    # Check for counts layer
    if layer is None and 'counts' not in adata.layers:
        result.add_recommendation(
            "Store raw counts in adata.layers['counts'] before any normalization. "
            "This preserves the original data for scvi-tools."
        )

    # Check for raw attribute
    if adata.raw is not None:
        result.info["has_raw"] = True
        result.add_recommendation(
            "adata.raw exists. If X is normalized, use adata.raw.to_adata() "
            "to recover raw counts."
        )
    else:
        result.info["has_raw"] = False

    return result


def suggest_model(adata, result: ValidationResult) -> str:
    """
    Suggest appropriate scvi-tools model based on data.

    Parameters
    ----------
    adata : AnnData
        Data to analyze
    result : ValidationResult
        Validation result with info

    Returns
    -------
    String with model suggestion
    """
    suggestions = []

    # Check for multi-modal data
    if 'protein_expression' in adata.obsm:
        suggestions.append("totalVI: CITE-seq data detected (protein + RNA)")

    if 'spliced' in adata.layers and 'unspliced' in adata.layers:
        suggestions.append("veloVI: RNA velocity data detected (spliced + unspliced)")

    # Check for labels
    has_labels = result.info.get('n_labels', 0) > 0
    has_batches = result.info.get('n_batches', 0) > 1

    if has_batches:
        if has_labels:
            suggestions.append(
                "scANVI: Integration with cell type labels (recommended for label transfer)"
            )
        else:
            suggestions.append(
                "scVI: Unsupervised batch integration"
            )
    else:
        suggestions.append(
            "scVI: Dimensionality reduction and differential expression"
        )

    if not suggestions:
        suggestions.append("scVI: General-purpose single-cell analysis")

    return "\n".join([f"  - {s}" for s in suggestions])


def main():
    """Command-line interface."""
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
        description="Validate AnnData for scvi-tools compatibility"
    )
    parser.add_argument("file", help="Path to h5ad file")
    parser.add_argument("--layer", help="Layer to check (default: X)")
    parser.add_argument("--batch-key", help="Batch column to check")
    parser.add_argument("--labels-key", help="Labels column to check")
    parser.add_argument("--suggest", action="store_true", help="Suggest model type")

    args = parser.parse_args()

    try:
        import scanpy as sc
    except ImportError:
        print("Error: scanpy is required. Install with: pip install scanpy")
        sys.exit(1)

    # Load data
    print(f"Loading {args.file}...")
    try:
        adata = sc.read_h5ad(args.file)
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error loading file: {e}")
        sys.exit(1)

    # Validate
    result = validate_for_scvi(
        adata,
        layer=args.layer,
        batch_key=args.batch_key,
        labels_key=args.labels_key
    )

    # Print report
    print(result.summary())

    # Suggest model
    if args.suggest:
        print("\nSuggested models:")
        print(suggest_model(adata, result))

    # Exit code
    sys.exit(0 if result.is_valid else 1)


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

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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Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download scvi-tools.zip