GAK inhibitor 49 is primarily utilized in research settings to study cellular processes and pathways. It is particularly effective in inhibiting the activity of cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK), which plays a role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and other cellular functions. By blocking GAK, this compound helps researchers explore the mechanisms of viral entry, as many viruses rely on clathrin-mediated endocytosis to infect host cells. Additionally, it is used to investigate the role of GAK in cancer progression, as its inhibition can disrupt pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding disease mechanisms and developing potential therapeutic strategies.