N-Methyl-L-glutamic acid is primarily used in biochemical research as a tool to study neurotransmitter systems, particularly those involving glutamate receptors. It serves as an analog of glutamate, allowing scientists to investigate the mechanisms of excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. This compound is also utilized in enzymatic studies to explore the specificity and function of enzymes that interact with glutamate derivatives. Additionally, it has applications in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases, by helping to understand receptor interactions and signaling pathways.