4-Amino-3-hydroxybutyric Acid is primarily used in the field of biochemistry and neuroscience research. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a crucial neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This compound is also employed in studies focusing on GABAergic signaling pathways, which are essential for understanding various neurological disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Additionally, it finds application in the development of pharmaceutical agents aimed at modulating GABA receptors to treat these conditions. In metabolic research, it is utilized to investigate the biochemical pathways involving amino acids and their derivatives, contributing to advancements in metabolic disease treatments.