Widely used in cell biology and neuroscience research as a fluorescent lipid analog. It labels cellular membranes, particularly lipid rafts, due to its affinity for sphingolipid-rich domains. The compound is valuable for tracking membrane dynamics, endocytosis, and intracellular trafficking in live cells. Its fluorescence properties change in response to environmental polarity, making it useful for probing membrane fluidity and lipid organization. Commonly applied in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry studies. Also used to monitor sphingolipid metabolism and to trace the biosynthetic pathways of complex lipids in cultured cells.