Thailanstatin A is primarily investigated for its potential as an anticancer agent due to its ability to modulate RNA splicing. It functions by targeting the spliceosome, a complex responsible for processing precursor mRNA into mature mRNA. By inhibiting proper splicing, Thailanstatin A induces the accumulation of incorrectly processed RNA, leading to cellular stress and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells, particularly cancer cells. This mechanism makes it a promising candidate for the development of novel chemotherapeutics, especially for tumors dependent on specific splicing variants for survival. Research is ongoing to evaluate its efficacy, selectivity, and potential for use in combination therapies.