Used in biochemical research as a key intermediate in polyamine metabolism studies, particularly in the investigation of sulfur-containing analogs of natural polyamines. It serves as a substrate or inhibitor in enzyme assays involving aminopropyltransferases and other enzymes in the methionine and polyamine biosynthetic pathways. Its structural similarity to decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine (dcSAM) makes it valuable for probing enzyme mechanisms and designing potential regulatory molecules in cell growth and differentiation processes. Also explored for its role in modulating oxidative stress responses due to the thiol group, which can participate in redox reactions within cellular systems.