This compound, 4-methyltryptophan, is a synthetic analog of the amino acid L-tryptophan. It is primarily used in biochemical and microbiological research as an inhibitor of anthranilate synthase in the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway, enabling studies of metabolic processes in microorganisms, plants, and cells. It facilitates the selection of tryptophan auxotrophs and investigation of enzyme functions involving indole compounds. In plant science, it is applied to explore alkaloid biosynthesis and plant stress responses. Due to its structural resemblance to tryptophan, a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, it is also investigated in pharmaceutical development for potential roles in neurological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and as a tool in neurotransmitter pathway studies. Furthermore, it acts as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis for creating complex tryptophan derivatives and other indole-based molecules.