FTI-2153 is primarily used in research settings to study its effects on cellular processes, particularly in the context of cancer biology. It functions as a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, which means it can interfere with the post-translational modification of proteins involved in cell signaling and growth. Researchers utilize FTI-2153 to explore its potential in blocking the activation of oncogenic proteins, such as Ras, which are often implicated in the development and progression of various cancers. By inhibiting farnesyltransferase, this compound helps in understanding the mechanisms of tumor growth and evaluating its potential as a therapeutic agent. Additionally, FTI-2153 is employed in preclinical studies to assess its efficacy and safety profile in animal models, providing insights into its possible use in targeted cancer therapies.