Used in research settings as a potent and selective inhibitor of the epigenetic enzyme EHMT2 (G9a), GSK 591 dihydrochloride helps modulate gene expression by targeting histone methylation. It is primarily employed in studies related to cancer biology, where silencing of tumor suppressor genes through H3K9 methylation plays a role. The compound aids in reactivating silenced genes, making it valuable for investigating epigenetic therapies in leukemia and solid tumors. Additionally, it serves as a tool compound in stem cell research and cellular reprogramming due to its ability to influence chromatin structure and cell fate.