NU 2058 is primarily used as a selective inhibitor of the enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), making it a valuable tool in cell cycle research. It is commonly applied in studies focused on understanding the mechanisms of cell division, particularly the G2 to M phase transition. Due to its ability to interfere with CDK1 activity, NU 2058 helps researchers investigate cell cycle arrest, DNA damage response, and apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. It is also used in combination with other kinase inhibitors to explore synergistic effects in antiproliferative therapies. Its application extends to preclinical studies assessing the role of CDK inhibition in tumor suppression and chemotherapy sensitization.