STF-62247 is primarily used in research settings to study autophagy, a cellular process involved in the degradation and recycling of damaged or unnecessary components. It acts as an inducer of autophagy, making it a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms and regulation of this process in various cell types. Researchers utilize STF-62247 to explore its potential in cancer biology, as autophagy plays a dual role in tumor suppression and survival of cancer cells. Additionally, it is employed in studies investigating neurodegenerative diseases, where autophagy dysfunction is often implicated. Its application extends to drug discovery, where it serves as a reference compound for developing novel therapeutics targeting autophagy-related pathways.