Spautin-1 is primarily used in biomedical research for its ability to inhibit autophagy, a cellular degradation process. By targeting the ubiquitin-specific peptidases USP10 and USP13, it promotes the degradation of the VPS34 complex, which is essential for autophagosome formation. This makes Spautin-1 a valuable tool in studying cancer cell survival mechanisms, as suppressing autophagy can enhance the effectiveness of certain anticancer therapies. It has been investigated in preclinical models for its potential to sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, Spautin-1 is used to explore the role of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases, infections, and metabolic disorders, helping researchers understand how modulating cellular cleanup pathways affects disease progression.