ML240 is a selective inhibitor of p97 (also known as VCP), a key ATPase involved in ubiquitin-proteasome system pathways. It is primarily used in research settings to study protein degradation mechanisms, particularly in the context of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). By inhibiting p97, ML240 induces accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress, leading to apoptosis in certain cancer cell lines. This makes it a valuable tool for investigating cancer cell survival pathways and the potential of p97 as a therapeutic target in oncology. Its application is largely confined to in vitro studies, where it helps elucidate the role of p97 in cellular homeostasis and disease progression.