MEM Frequently Asked Questions address inquiries about Marker Enrichment Modeling, an open-source R package for quantifying marker enrichment in cell populations. Developed by Kirsten E. Diggins and Jonathan M. Irish at Vanderbilt University’s Meiler Lab, MEM supports computational biology research in immunology and cancer. Below, find answers to guide your use of MEM for academic or commercial purposes. For further assistance, visit our Contact Us page or explore licensing options on the licensing page.
How is MEM different from similar tools?
Unlike statistical tools for differential expression (e.g., z-score, K-S test) or clustering (e.g., k-means, SPADE, Citrus), MEM quantifies the unique expression of features in cell populations. It uses multivariate modeling to highlight what makes subsets distinct, enabling precise characterization for immunology and cancer research.
Who developed MEM?
MEM was developed by Kirsten E. Diggins and Jonathan M. Irish, Ph.D., at Vanderbilt University’s Meiler Lab, as an open-source R package for computational biology research.
Is there a peer-reviewed publication describing MEM?
Yes, MEM is detailed in:
- Diggins et al. (2017): “Marker Enrichment Modeling: a novel method for identifying cell-specific markers from high-dimensional flow cytometry data,” Nature Methods. PubMed: 28135256.
Additional publications are available via PubMed or by contacting us at Contact Us.
How does MEM work?
MEM creates multivariate models to quantify feature enrichment without predefined thresholds, as detailed in Diggins et al. (2017), Nature Methods. This approach supports precise cell subset characterization, enhancing discoveries in computational biology.
What software is needed to run MEM?
MEM requires:
- R (standard installation).
- Standard R package dependencies for multivariate modeling.
No additional software is needed.
What computer platforms are compatible with MEM?
MEM runs on R-compatible platforms, including:
- Windows
- MacOS
- UNIX/Linux
What files are provided with an MEM license?
MEM includes:
- R package source code.
- Associated metadata.
- Vignette for setup and usage.
- Sample R script for analysis.
These components streamline research workflows.
What happens after I request an MEM license?
For Academic Licenses, verification takes 3–5 business days using your institutional email, with download access provided via VU e-Innovations “My premium content” page (vueinnovations.com/premium). For Commercial Licenses, submit a quote request using our Commercial License Quote form, and a representative will contact you within 3–5 business days.
What should I do if I can’t find the MEM download instructions?
Check your spam folder for the confirmation email or use the direct link to VU e-Innovations premium content at vueinnovations.com/premium (log in with your username and password). If you forgot your password, reset it at vueinnovations.com/user/password. For further issues, contact support at Contact Us.