NGI-1 (ML414) is primarily used in research settings to study the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, which is crucial for N-linked glycosylation in cells. By inhibiting the OST complex, NGI-1 helps researchers understand the role of glycosylation in protein folding, cell signaling, and disease mechanisms. It is particularly valuable in cancer research, as altered glycosylation is often associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Additionally, NGI-1 is utilized in studies exploring viral infections, since glycosylation is essential for the proper functioning of viral proteins. Its application extends to drug discovery, where it serves as a tool to identify potential therapeutic targets related to glycosylation pathways.