Used in biomedical research to activate protein kinase C (PKC), a key enzyme involved in cell signaling pathways related to cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Commonly employed as a tumor promoter in studies of carcinogenesis to investigate mechanisms of cancer development. Also utilized in immunology research to stimulate immune cells such as T-cells and macrophages, helping to study inflammatory responses and immune activation. Due to its potent biological activity, it serves as a tool compound in signal transduction studies and in screening potential therapeutic agents targeting PKC pathways.