Used primarily in research to inhibit AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Dorsomorphin 2HCl helps study signaling pathways related to cell energy homeostasis, autophagy, and metabolism. It is also applied in developmental biology to block BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling, aiding in the investigation of embryonic development and stem cell differentiation. Due to its role in modulating cellular processes, it serves as a tool compound in cancer research, particularly in studies involving tumor growth and metabolic adaptation.