Bafilomycin D is primarily used in research settings to study cellular processes, particularly those involving vacuolar-type ATPases (V-ATPases). It is a potent inhibitor of V-ATPases, which are crucial for maintaining pH gradients within cells. By disrupting these pumps, it helps researchers understand the role of acidification in cellular functions such as autophagy, lysosomal activity, and intracellular trafficking. Additionally, it is employed in cancer research to explore its effects on tumor cell survival, as V-ATPases are often overexpressed in cancer cells. Bafilomycin D is also utilized in studies related to microbial infections, as it can inhibit the growth of certain pathogens that rely on V-ATPases for survival. Its application extends to neurobiology, where it aids in examining the role of V-ATPases in neuronal signaling and neurodegeneration. Overall, it serves as a valuable tool in dissecting complex biological mechanisms.