Used in research to inhibit MEK1 and MEK2 kinases, PD0325901 blocks the MAPK signaling pathway, which is often dysregulated in cancers. It shows potential in studies targeting melanoma, lung, and colorectal cancers, especially those with BRAF or RAS mutations. It is also used in stem cell research to maintain pluripotency by suppressing differentiation signals. Due to its potency and selectivity, it serves as a tool compound in preclinical studies evaluating targeted cancer therapies.