FTI-277 is primarily used in research settings to study the role of farnesyltransferase in cellular processes. It is a potent inhibitor of farnesyltransferase, an enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of proteins, particularly Ras proteins. By inhibiting this enzyme, FTI-277 helps researchers understand the signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival. This compound is valuable in cancer research, as it provides insights into the mechanisms of tumor development and potential therapeutic strategies targeting Ras-driven cancers. Additionally, FTI-277 is used to explore the effects of farnesyltransferase inhibition on other diseases where protein prenylation plays a critical role, such as certain neurodegenerative disorders and progeria. Its application extends to drug discovery, where it serves as a tool to validate targets and develop novel inhibitors for clinical use.