ACY-738 is primarily utilized in research settings to study its effects on histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibition. It is widely employed in preclinical studies to explore its potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, due to its ability to enhance protein degradation and reduce toxic protein aggregates. Additionally, it is investigated for its role in cancer research, where it may induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth by modulating HDAC6 activity. ACY-738 is also used to examine its impact on immune responses and inflammation, offering insights into therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disorders. Its applications extend to studying cellular processes like autophagy and stress response, contributing to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms.