Anisomycin is widely used in biological research as a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis. It acts by interfering with the peptidyl transferase center of the 50S ribosomal subunit, making it effective in studies involving translational control in eukaryotic cells. It is commonly applied in neuroscience to investigate the role of protein synthesis in memory formation and consolidation, particularly in models of long-term potentiation and memory extinction. Due to its ability to activate stress-activated protein kinases such as JNK and p38 MAPK, anisomycin is also used to study cellular stress responses and apoptosis. In microbiology, it serves as a selective agent in cell culture to prevent bacterial contamination, especially in anaerobic environments. Additionally, it has been explored for its antiprotozoal activity against certain parasites, though its toxicity limits therapeutic use.