Pyruvate dehydrogenase from porcine heart is widely used in biochemical research to study cellular metabolism, particularly the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, a critical step in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. It serves as a key enzyme in understanding energy production pathways and metabolic regulation in mitochondria. Researchers utilize this enzyme to investigate enzyme kinetics, substrate specificity, and the effects of inhibitors or activators on its function. It is also employed in diagnostic assays to measure pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in clinical studies related to metabolic disorders, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency. Additionally, it aids in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic diseases and cancer, where altered mitochondrial function plays a significant role.