# Human Protein Atlas Database

Use when you want to retrieve semi-quantitative protein expression and spatial...

- Repository: https://github.com/google-deepmind/science-skills (3377 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: Apache-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-10-23
- Runs scripts: yes, review before use

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add google-deepmind/science-skills --skill human-protein-atlas-database -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add google-deepmind/science-skills --skill human-protein-atlas-database -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add google-deepmind/science-skills --skill human-protein-atlas-database -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add google-deepmind/science-skills --skill human-protein-atlas-database -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Use when you want to retrieve semi-quantitative protein expression and spatial localisation data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA).

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Human Protein Atlas (HPA) Database Integration

This skill provides semi-quantitative protein expression and spatial
localisation data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). While RNA-seq (e.g., GTEx)
tells us if a gene is being transcribed, HPA confirms if the protein product
actually exists, where it is located within the cell (e.g. nucleus vs
cytoplasm), and its concentration in systemic blood circulation. The data is
based on Immunohistochemistry (IHC) across normal human tissues and cancer
types.

## Prerequisites

1.  **`uv`**: Read the `uv` skill and follow its Setup instructions to ensure
    `uv` is installed and on PATH.
2.  **User Notification**: If .licenses/human_protein_atlas_database_LICENSE.txt
    does not already exist in the workspace root directory then (1) prominently
    notify the user to check the terms at
    https://www.proteinatlas.org/about/licence, then (2) create the file
    recording the notification text and timestamp.

## When to Use

**Use this skill when you need to:**

-   Map a gene symbol to its Ensembl ID for HPA queries.
-   Retrieve the semi-quantitative protein abundance in normal human tissues and
    cancer types based on IHC staining (High, Medium, Low, or Not Detected).
-   Find the specific organelles or subcellular structures where a protein has
    been localized (e.g., nucleoplasm, mitochondria).
-   Check the consistency/agreement between RNA-seq consensus and protein
    expression levels.
-   Search for genes based on specific protein expression criteria (e.g.,
    "elevated in amygdala" or "secreted proteins").

**Do NOT use when you need to:**

-   Query eQTLs, pQTLs, or any variant-level associations. HPA provides
    wild-type expression data and knows nothing about QTLs.
-   Query gene expression in non-human species. HPA is strictly for human
    proteins.
-   Retrieve purely quantitative RNA expression without interest in the protein
    product (consider using the GTEx skill instead).

The rest: https://github.com/google-deepmind/science-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/human_protein_atlas_database/SKILL.md