Pyridostatin hydrochloride is primarily used in research settings to study and target G-quadruplex structures in DNA and RNA. These structures play a role in regulating gene expression and maintaining genomic stability. By binding to G-quadruplexes, it helps researchers investigate their biological functions and potential implications in diseases such as cancer. It is also explored for its ability to inhibit telomerase activity, making it a candidate for anti-cancer therapies. Additionally, it serves as a tool compound in chemical biology to understand the role of G-quadruplexes in cellular processes like replication and transcription.