(2R)-Octyl-α-hydroxyglutarate has shown promising applications in the field of biomedical research, particularly in studies related to cancer metabolism. It is known to act as an inhibitor of α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, which play a role in epigenetic regulation and cellular signaling pathways. This compound has been utilized to mimic the effects of oncometabolites, such as 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), which are often elevated in certain cancers like gliomas and leukemias. By doing so, it helps researchers understand the metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and explore potential therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it has been used in experimental models to study the impact of altered metabolism on cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival, providing insights into the development of targeted cancer therapies.