Pyroxamide is primarily used in research and laboratory settings as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. It plays a significant role in studying gene expression and epigenetic regulation, as it helps in understanding how histone modifications influence cellular processes. In cancer research, pyroxamide is utilized to investigate its potential to induce cell differentiation, inhibit tumor growth, and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Additionally, it serves as a tool compound in biochemical assays to explore the mechanisms of HDACs and their impact on chromatin structure and function. Its applications extend to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting diseases linked to abnormal histone acetylation.