scvi-mrvi

Model sample identity as biological variation in multi-donor scRNA-seq data with MRVI.

1|Updated Nov 20, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tony-zhelonkin/SciAgent-toolkit --skill scvi-mrvi
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: scvi-mrvi
Source: https://github.com/tony-zhelonkin/SciAgent-toolkit/tree/main/skills/scvi-mrvi
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tony-zhelonkin/SciAgent-toolkit --skill scvi-mrvi

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

MRVI enables multi-donor single-cell RNA-seq analyses by modeling sample identity as biological variation, providing cell-type-specific insights and covariate-aware differential expression.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Dual latent representations: a sample-invariant space for cell-type clustering and a sample-aware space for studying sample effects.
  • Covariate-linked differential expression and differential abundance to attribute changes to covariates.
  • Handles cohorts with many donors to compute cell-type-specific sample distances and study heterogeneity.

Quick Start

Setup an AnnData object with sample_id as the biological key, initialize MRVI, and train to obtain both latent representations for downstream analyses.

Frequently Asked Questions about scvi-mrvi

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I analyze multi-sample scRNA-seq data while accounting for sample effects?

To analyze multi-sample scRNA-seq data while accounting for sample effects, model sample identity as biological variation using MRVI. This computes cell-type-specific sample distances and provides covariate-aware differential expression at single-cell resolution.

What is the difference between pseudobulk and single-cell resolution differential expression in cohort studies?

Single-cell resolution differential expression in cohort studies retains individual cell variance, whereas pseudobulk aggregates counts per sample. MRVI enables single-cell resolution covariate-aware differential expression without losing cellular heterogeneity across donors.

How do I set up AnnData for multi-donor scRNA-seq analysis with MRVI?

To set up AnnData for multi-donor scRNA-seq analysis with MRVI, load raw counts and define a sample_id biological key. You can optionally include a batch_key as a nuisance variable to handle technical variations during initialization.

Can I perform cell-type clustering and sample effect analysis simultaneously in scvi-tools?

You can perform cell-type clustering and sample effect analysis simultaneously in scvi-tools using MRVI. It generates a sample-invariant latent space for clustering and a sample-aware space for studying sample effects across donors.

When should I use MRVI instead of standard scVI for cohort-scale scRNA-seq?

Use MRVI instead of standard scVI for cohort-scale scRNA-seq when you need to model sample identity as biological variation across many donors. MRVI provides covariate-linked differential abundance and cell-type-specific sample distances.