Pifithrin-a (PFTa) is primarily used in research settings to inhibit the activity of p53, a tumor suppressor protein involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. By temporarily blocking p53, PFTa allows scientists to study the role of p53 in cellular responses to stress, DNA damage, and cancer development. It has been applied in studies exploring neuroprotection, where suppressing p53-mediated apoptosis helps reduce neuronal cell death in models of stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain injury. PFTa is also used in aging research and in improving the survival of cells during procedures like cryopreservation, where minimizing stress-induced apoptosis enhances cell viability. Its ability to modulate p53 makes it a valuable tool in understanding pathways related to cell survival and death, though it is not used clinically.