ARL67156 trisodium salt is primarily used in research settings to study the role of ecto-nucleotidases, enzymes that regulate extracellular nucleotide signaling. It acts as an inhibitor of these enzymes, helping scientists understand their function in various physiological and pathological processes, such as inflammation, neurotransmission, and immune responses. This compound is particularly valuable in investigating the purinergic signaling pathway, which is crucial for cellular communication. Its application extends to exploring potential therapeutic targets for conditions like cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, where nucleotide signaling plays a significant role.