Tenovin-6 is primarily used in research settings to study its effects on cellular processes, particularly in cancer biology. It is known for its ability to inhibit sirtuins, a family of proteins involved in regulating cellular aging, metabolism, and stress responses. By blocking sirtuin activity, Tenovin-6 can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, making it a valuable tool for investigating potential cancer therapies. Additionally, it is used to explore the role of sirtuins in neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders, providing insights into therapeutic strategies for these conditions. Its applications extend to studying autophagy and p53 activation, further contributing to understanding cellular mechanisms and drug development.