Fatostatin A is primarily used in research settings to study lipid metabolism and its regulation. It acts as a potent inhibitor of SREBP (sterol regulatory element-binding proteins), which are key transcription factors involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. By blocking SREBP activation, Fatostatin A effectively reduces lipogenesis, making it a valuable tool in investigating metabolic disorders such as obesity, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. It has also shown potential in cancer research due to the dependence of certain tumor cells on lipid synthesis for rapid growth. Inhibiting SREBP with Fatostatin A can suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in some cancer cell lines. Additionally, it is explored for its antiviral properties, as some viruses rely on host lipid metabolism for replication, particularly in infections like hepatitis C and dengue. Due to its ability to modulate cellular lipid homeostasis, Fatostatin A serves as a lead compound for developing therapies targeting metabolic syndrome and related conditions.