Fatostatin A is primarily used in research settings to study lipid metabolism and its related pathways. It acts as an inhibitor of SREBP (sterol regulatory element-binding protein) activation, which plays a crucial role in regulating genes involved in lipid synthesis. This makes it a valuable tool for investigating conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, where lipid metabolism is often disrupted. Additionally, it is explored for its potential in cancer research, as SREBP pathways are implicated in tumor growth and survival. Its ability to modulate lipid biosynthesis also opens avenues for studying metabolic disorders and developing therapeutic strategies.