The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis software that leverages existing large language models (LLM) to simplify and enhance data analysis by providing intelligent recommendations and interpretations.

This technology includes SCassist, an innovative open-source R package designed to enhance single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis. The complexity of scRNA-seq workflows often requires extensive expertise, making it challenging for many researchers to fully explore their data. This limitation can hinder scientific discovery and innovation, as researchers may struggle to navigate through the intricate stages of data filtering, normalization, clustering, and interpretation. SCassist addresses these challenges by leveraging large language models (LLMs) to provide intelligent recommendations and interpretations throughout the analysis process, making advanced scRNA-seq analysis accessible to researchers at all levels.

SCassist integrates LLMs into key workflow steps, offering guidance on filtering, normalization, clustering parameters, and insightful interpretations of variable features and principal components. It also performs cell type annotations and provides a system-level view through network representations based on pathway and ontology enrichment analyses. This user-friendly interface allows researchers to incorporate AI-driven insights into their scRNA-seq analysis, ultimately accelerating their workflow and uncovering deeper biological understanding. By democratizing scRNA-seq analysis, SCassist empowers researchers to navigate complexities and make the most of their valuable data.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is seeking licensing opportunities and collaborative partnerships to further develop and expand the capabilities of SCassist. This technology has the potential to be utilized across various fields, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, enabling researchers to gain novel insights into their ‘omics’ scale data. The NEI welcomes inquiries from potential partners interested in leveraging SCassist to enhance their research capabilities and drive scientific innovation.