ML-354 (VU0099704) is primarily used in research settings as a selective inhibitor of acyl protein thioesterase 1 (APT1), an enzyme involved in protein depalmitoylation. Its application is significant in studying the role of protein palmitoylation in cellular signaling and function. Researchers utilize ML-354 to investigate how APT1 inhibition affects processes such as neuronal signaling, immune response, and cancer progression. By modulating APT1 activity, it helps uncover the impact of palmitoylation dynamics on protein localization, stability, and interactions, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.