| name | tooluniverse-cell-line-profiling |
| description | Cancer cell-line selection and profiling for experimental model choice. Cross-references DepMap, Cellosaurus, COSMIC, PharmacoDB to deliver identity verification, mutation/CNV profile, gene dependencies, drug sensitivities, and druggable targets. Use to answer 'which cell line should I use for studying gene X?' or 'is this cell line a good model for cancer Y?'. Outputs ranked recommendations with rationale, growth characteristics, and known pitfalls. |
Cancer Cell Line Profiling and Selection
Comprehensive profiling of cancer cell lines for experimental model selection. Transforms a query (cancer type, gene, or cell line name) into an actionable report covering identity verification, molecular features, gene dependencies, drug sensitivities, and druggable targets.
KEY PRINCIPLES:
- Decision-first - Answer "which cell line should I use?" not "here is all the data"
- Multi-source validation - Cross-reference DepMap, Cellosaurus, COSMIC, PharmacoDB
- Actionable output - Ranked cell line recommendations with rationale
- Practical focus - Include availability, growth characteristics, common pitfalls
- Gene-aware - When a gene of interest is given, prioritize lines with relevant mutations/dependencies
- Source-referenced - Cite database sources for every claim
- English-first queries - Always use English terms in tool calls, even if the user writes in another language
LOOK UP, DON'T GUESS
When uncertain about any scientific fact, SEARCH databases first rather than reasoning from memory. A database-verified answer is always more reliable than a guess.
COMPUTE, DON'T DESCRIBE
When analysis requires computation (statistics, data processing, scoring, enrichment), write and run Python code via Bash. Don't describe what you would do — execute it and report actual results. Use ToolUniverse tools to retrieve data, then Python (pandas, scipy, statsmodels, matplotlib) to analyze it.
When to Use
Apply for: cell line selection by cancer type/gene, cell line profiling, gene dependencies, drug sensitivity queries, cell line comparisons, mutation checks.
Phase 0: Tool Parameter Reference (CRITICAL)
BEFORE calling ANY tool, verify parameters against this table.
| Tool | Key Parameters | Notes |
|---|
DepMap_search_cell_lines | query (required) | Search by name, e.g., "A549", "MCF" |
DepMap_get_cell_line | model_name OR model_id | Name: "A549"; ID: "SIDM00001" |
DepMap_get_cell_lines | tissue, cancer_type, page_size | Filter by tissue (e.g., "Lung") |
DepMap_get_gene_dependencies | gene_symbol (required), model_id | Gene effect scores; negative = essential |
DepMap_search_genes | query (required) | Validate gene symbol in DepMap first |
cellosaurus_search_cell_lines | q (required), size | Solr syntax: id:HeLa, ox:9606 AND char:cancer |
cellosaurus_get_cell_line_info | accession (required, CVCL_ format) | Full cell line record |
cellosaurus_query_converter | query (required) | Natural language to Solr syntax |
COSMIC_search_mutations | terms OR query, max_results | Search "BRAF V600E" or gene name |
COSMIC_get_mutations_by_gene | gene OR gene_name, max_results | All mutations for a gene |
PharmacoDB_get_cell_line | operation="get_cell_line", cell_name | Cell line metadata + datasets |
PharmacoDB_get_experiments | operation="get_experiments", compound_name, , , |
Workflow Overview
Input: Cancer type AND/OR Gene of interest AND/OR Cell line name(s)
Phase 1: Cell Line Identification
- Search and verify cell line identity (Cellosaurus)
- Get metadata: species, disease, STR profile, cross-references
- If cancer type given without cell line: find candidate lines (DepMap)
Phase 2: Molecular Profiling
- Mutation landscape (COSMIC, cBioPortal CCLE)
- Gene expression (HPA, DepMap)
- Cancer markers (CellMarker)
Phase 3: Gene Dependencies (CRISPR Screens)
- Gene essentiality scores from DepMap
- Identify selectively essential genes
- Compare across cell lines if multiple candidates
Phase 4: Drug Sensitivity
- IC50/AAC from PharmacoDB (GDSC, CCLE, CTRPv2, PRISM)
- Biomarker associations for drug response
- Drug combination synergy (SYNERGxDB)
Phase 5: Target Druggability & Recommendations
- Druggable targets (DGIdb, OpenTargets)
- Final ranked recommendation with rationale
Phase 1: Cell Line Identification
Goal: Verify cell line identity and find candidates.
If specific cell line given: (1) cellosaurus_search_cell_lines(q="id:<NAME>") → get CVCL accession, species, disease, contamination flags. (2) cellosaurus_get_cell_line_info(accession="CVCL_XXXX") for STR profile. (3) DepMap_get_cell_line(model_name="...") for tissue, cancer_type, MSI, ploidy. (4) PharmacoDB_get_cell_line(operation="get_cell_line", cell_name="...") for datasets.
If cancer type only: (1) DepMap_get_cell_lines(tissue="Lung", page_size=20). (2) Narrow by gene mutations/dependencies in Phases 2-3. (3) CellMarker_search_cancer_markers(operation="search_cancer_markers", cancer_type="Lung").
OUTPUT: Table of candidate cell lines with: name, tissue, cancer type, key identifiers.
Phase 2: Molecular Profiling
Goal: Characterize mutational and expression landscape.
2A Mutations: COSMIC_get_mutations_by_gene(gene="EGFR") + cBioPortal_get_mutations(study_id="ccle_broad_2019", gene_list="EGFR,KRAS,TP53"). Note: gene_list is a comma-separated STRING. CCLE study ID: ccle_broad_2019.
2B Expression: HPA_get_comparative_expression_by_gene_and_cellline(gene_name="EGFR", cell_line="a549"). Only 10 lines supported: hela, mcf7, a549, hepg2, jurkat, pc3, rh30, siha, u251, ishikawa.
2C Cancer markers: CellMarker_search_by_gene(operation="search_by_gene", gene_symbol="EGFR", species="Human")
OUTPUT: Mutation table (gene, AA change, type) + expression summary per cell line.
Phase 3: Gene Dependencies (CRISPR Screens)
Goal: Determine which genes are essential in candidate cell lines.
LIMITATION: DepMap_get_gene_dependencies returns gene metadata (HGNC ID, Ensembl ID) but NOT per-cell-line CRISPR scores. Full Chronos scores require depmap.org download.
Available tools: (1) DepMap_search_genes(query="EGFR") — validate gene exists. (2) DepMap_get_gene_dependencies(gene_symbol="EGFR") — metadata only. (3) Alternatives: cBioPortal CCLE for mutation data, PubMed for published screens, or direct user to depmap.org/portal.
Interpreting Chronos scores (from DepMap portal): <-0.5 = essential; ~0 = not essential; ~-1.0 = strongly essential. Selective dependency (essential in some lineages only) indicates therapeutic window.
OUTPUT: Gene validation + mutation status per cell line.
Per-cell-line Chronos scores (what the API can't give you): use the bundled script scripts/depmap_gene_dependency.py. It pulls the current DepMap Public release (CRISPRGeneEffect.csv + Model.csv) once via the public download index, caches it, and answers the dependency question directly:
python scripts/depmap_gene_dependency.py gene KRAS --lineage Pancreas --top 20
python scripts/depmap_gene_dependency.py cell-line A375 --top 25
Output: cell line, lineage, primary disease, Chronos score (most negative = most dependent; < -0.5 ≈ dependency). For selective-dependency reasoning, compare a gene's scores across lineages.
If DepMap data is unavailable: Use cBioPortal_get_mutations(study_id="ccle_broad_2019", gene_list="KRAS") for mutation data, and the Quick Reference table below for common recommendations.
Phase 4: Drug Sensitivity
Goal: Profile drug response data.
4A PharmacoDB: PharmacoDB_get_experiments(operation="get_experiments", compound_name="Erlotinib", cell_line_name="A549", per_page=20) for dose-response (IC50, AAC, EC50). Omit compound_name to get all drugs for a cell line. Use PharmacoDB_get_biomarker_assoc(compound_name="...", tissue_name="...", mdata_type="mutation") for sensitivity biomarkers.
4B SYNERGxDB: SYNERGxDB_search_combos(drug_name_1="gemcitabine", drug_name_2="erlotinib", sample="lung"). Positive ZIP = synergy. Covers cytotoxic agents only (not targeted therapies/biologics).
4C CLUE: CLUE_get_cell_lines(operation="get_cell_lines", cell_id="MCF7") — requires CLUE_API_KEY.
OUTPUT: Drug sensitivity table (drug, IC50, AAC, dataset) + synergy data if available.
Phase 5: Target Druggability and Recommendations
5A Druggability: DGIdb_get_drug_gene_interactions(genes=["EGFR", "KRAS"]) + MyGene_query_genes(query="EGFR") → OpenTargets_get_associated_drugs_by_target_ensemblID(ensemblId="...", size=10) + STRING_get_network(protein_ids=["EGFR"], species=9606).
5B Final Recommendation: Synthesize all phases. Explain WHY one line is better for this specific use case.
Decision Criteria with Concrete Thresholds
| Criterion | Weight | Score 3 (Best) | Score 2 (Acceptable) | Score 1 (Poor) |
|---|
| Mutation match | x3 | Exact mutation (e.g., KRAS G12D) | Same gene, different mutation | No mutation in gene of interest |
| Co-mutation simplicity | x2 | Few co-mutations (cleaner background) | Moderate co-mutations | Complex background (3+ driver mutations) |
| Gene dependency | x2 | DepMap score < -0.5 (essential) | Score -0.5 to -0.2 (moderately essential) | Score > -0.2 (not essential) |
| Drug sensitivity data | x1 | In GDSC + CCLE + PRISM (3+ datasets) | In 1-2 datasets | No drug response data |
| Practical factors | x1 | Adherent, well-characterized, widely used | Suspension or less common | Hard to culture, contamination-prone |
Total score = sum of (criterion score × weight). Max = 27. Rank cell lines by total score.
Use-Case-Specific Guidance
The best cell line depends on what you're doing with it:
| Use Case | Key Requirements | Extra Considerations |
|---|
| CRISPR knockout screen | Adherent growth, good lentiviral transduction, pre-existing Cas9 clones (check Cellosaurus for "-Cas9" derivatives) | Doubling time matters for library coverage; <72h ideal |
| Drug sensitivity testing | In PharmacoDB/GDSC, known IC50 for reference compounds | Check SYNERGxDB for combo data |
| Xenograft model | Known tumorigenicity in mice, available PDX data | Check if line forms tumors in nude/NSG mice (Cellosaurus often notes this) |
| Mechanism of action | Clean genetic background, gene dependency confirmed | Fewer co-mutations = easier to attribute phenotypes |
| Biomarker discovery | Isogenic pairs available, well-characterized omics | Check if isogenic knockouts exist (Cellosaurus) |
| Drug combination | In SYNERGxDB with combo data, known single-agent responses | ZIP score available for synergy assessment |
Cellosaurus Derivative Lines
Check for pre-made derivatives — this can save months of lab work:
cellosaurus_search_cell_lines(q="ca:<PARENT_LINE>", size=20) — finds all derivatives- Look for: Cas9-expressing clones, drug-resistant derivatives, knockout lines, fluorescent reporter lines
- Example: PANC-1-Cas9-554 through PANC-1-Cas9-559 (CVCL_WL48-WL53) are pre-validated Cas9 clones
DepMap API Fallbacks
If DepMap_get_gene_dependencies fails (common for some genes):
- The Sanger Cell Model Passports API may not index all genes. Note this limitation.
- Recommend the user check DepMap portal (depmap.org) directly for CRISPR dependency data.
- Use
cBioPortal_get_mutations(study_id="ccle_broad_2019", gene_list="<GENE>") as an alternative source for cell line mutation data.
OUTPUT: Ranked cell line table with total scores, per-criterion breakdown, and a text recommendation explaining the top pick and runner-up with biological reasoning.
Common Use Patterns
| Pattern | Question Type | Key Tools (in order) |
|---|
| 1 | "Which cell line for [cancer] + [gene]?" | DepMap_get_cell_lines → DepMap_get_gene_dependencies → COSMIC_get_mutations_by_gene → cBioPortal_get_mutations (ccle_broad_2019) → PharmacoDB_get_experiments → rank by mutation + dependency + drug sensitivity |
| 2 | "Profile cell line X" | cellosaurus_search → DepMap_get_cell_line → PharmacoDB_get_cell_line → cBioPortal_get_mutations → HPA expression (if supported) → PharmacoDB_get_experiments |
| 3 | "Which lines are sensitive to [drug]?" | DepMap_get_cell_lines (tissue filter) → PharmacoDB_get_experiments (compound) → PharmacoDB_get_biomarker_assoc → rank by AAC (higher=sensitive) or IC50 (lower=sensitive) |
| 4 | "Compare A vs B" | Run Pattern 2 for both in parallel → side-by-side comparison table |
| 5 | "Drug combos for [cell line]?" | SYNERGxDB_search_combos → PharmacoDB_get_experiments (single-agent baseline) → report synergistic pairs with ZIP scores |
Quick Reference: Common Cancer Cell Lines by Type
| Cancer Type | Key Cell Lines | Common Mutations |
|---|
| NSCLC | A549 (KRAS G12S), H1975 (EGFR L858R/T790M), PC-9 (EGFR del19), HCC827 (EGFR del19/amp), H460 (KRAS Q61H), H1299 (NRAS Q61K, TP53-null) | KRAS, EGFR, TP53, STK11 |
| Breast | MCF7 (ER+/PR+), MDA-MB-231 (TNBC, KRAS G13D), T-47D (ER+), BT-474 (HER2+), SK-BR-3 (HER2+) | PIK3CA, TP53, BRCA1/2 |
| Colorectal | HCT116 (KRAS G13D, MSI-H), SW480 (KRAS G12V), HT-29 (BRAF V600E), Caco-2 (APC), LoVo (KRAS G13D, MSI-H) | APC, KRAS, TP53, BRAF |
| Melanoma | A375 (BRAF V600E), SK-MEL-28 (BRAF V600E), WM266-4 (BRAF V600D), MeWo (WT BRAF) | BRAF, NRAS, TP53 |
| Pancreatic | PANC-1 (KRAS G12D), MIA PaCa-2 (KRAS G12C), AsPC-1 (KRAS G12D), Capan-1 (BRCA2 mut) | KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4 |
| Prostate | PC-3 (AR-negative), LNCaP (AR+, PTEN-null), DU145 (AR-negative), VCaP (AR amp, TMPRSS2-ERG) | AR, PTEN, TP53, RB1 |
| Ovarian | SKOV3 (HER2+, TP53 mut), OVCAR3 (TP53 mut), A2780 (sensitive), A2780cis (cisplatin-resistant) | TP53, BRCA1/2 |
| Leukemia | K562 (CML, BCR-ABL), Jurkat (T-ALL), HL-60 (AML), THP-1 (AML, monocytic) | BCR-ABL, FLT3, NPM1 |
| Glioblastoma | U251 (TP53 mut), U87MG (PTEN-null), T98G (TP53/PTEN mut), LN229 (TP53 mut, PTEN WT) | TP53, PTEN, EGFR, IDH1 |
| Liver | HepG2 (hepatoblastoma, WT TP53), Hep3B (HBV+, TP53-null), Huh7 (HCC, TP53 Y220C) | TP53, CTNNB1, AXIN1 |
Cross-Referencing Cell Line IDs
Use cell line NAME as common key across databases. IDs: DepMap=SIDM, Cellosaurus=CVCL, cBioPortal=sample (e.g. A549_LUNG), PharmacoDB/SYNERGxDB=name string. When names differ ("HCT 116" vs "HCT116"), check Cellosaurus synonyms first.
Mutation-based filtering: cBioPortal_get_mutations(study_id="ccle_broad_2019", gene_list="KRAS") → filter by amino_acid_change → extract cell line names → query other databases.
Error Handling
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|
| DepMap returns no results for cell line name | Try alternative names: check Cellosaurus synonyms first |
| cBioPortal CCLE study ID unknown | Use ccle_broad_2019 as default CCLE study |
| PharmacoDB cell line name mismatch | Use PharmacoDB_search(operation="search", query="<name>") to find the canonical name |
| HPA cell line not supported | Only 10 lines supported (hela, mcf7, a549, hepg2, jurkat, pc3, rh30, siha, u251, ishikawa). Skip HPA for other lines |
| CLUE requires API key | Skip CLUE tools if CLUE_API_KEY not set; note in report |
| Gene symbol not found in DepMap | Use DepMap_search_genes(query="<symbol>") to check aliases |
| Cellosaurus accession pattern | Must be CVCL_XXXX format; search first if you only have a name |
| SYNERGxDB no results for drug combo | Drug may not be in database; SYNERGxDB covers cytotoxic agents, not most targeted therapies |
Completeness Checklist
Before finalizing the report, verify:
