Acivicin hydrochloride is primarily utilized in research settings to study its effects on cellular metabolism, particularly in the context of cancer biology. It acts as a potent inhibitor of glutamine-dependent enzymes, which are crucial for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells. By disrupting glutamine metabolism, it helps researchers understand the role of amino acid pathways in tumor progression and explore potential therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it is used in biochemical studies to investigate the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition and amino acid transport in various cell types. Its application extends to experimental models aimed at evaluating the efficacy of targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment.