Concanamycin C is primarily used in biochemical research as a potent and specific inhibitor of vacuolar-type ATPases (V-ATPases). These enzymes play a crucial role in acidifying intracellular compartments, such as lysosomes and endosomes, and are essential for various cellular processes. By inhibiting V-ATPases, Concanamycin C helps researchers study the effects of disrupted pH regulation in cells, which is vital for understanding processes like autophagy, protein degradation, and intracellular trafficking. Additionally, it is employed in studies related to cancer biology, as V-ATPases are often overexpressed in cancer cells and contribute to tumor progression and drug resistance. Concanamycin C is also used in microbiology to investigate the role of V-ATPases in pathogen survival and virulence, particularly in fungi and bacteria that rely on pH homeostasis for infection. Its specificity and potency make it a valuable tool for dissecting the complex roles of V-ATPases in cellular and pathological contexts.