Used in biochemical research to study enzyme mechanisms and protein interactions, particularly in the context of amino acid metabolism. It serves as a building block in peptide synthesis, aiding in the development of novel peptides with potential therapeutic applications. Additionally, it is utilized in the study of neurotransmitter systems, helping to understand the role of amino acid derivatives in neurological functions. Its structural similarity to natural amino acids makes it valuable in probing biological pathways and designing enzyme inhibitors.