SCR7 is primarily used in research settings to study DNA repair mechanisms. It functions as a DNA ligase inhibitor, specifically targeting the enzyme DNA ligase IV, which plays a critical role in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway of DNA repair. By inhibiting this enzyme, SCR7 allows scientists to investigate the effects of impaired NHEJ on cells, particularly in the context of cancer research. This helps in understanding how cancer cells repair DNA damage and how inhibiting this process can potentially enhance the efficacy of treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, SCR7 is used in genetic engineering to improve the efficiency of homology-directed repair (HDR), a process crucial for precise gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9.