Used extensively in biochemical research, it serves as a substrate for enzymes involved in nucleotide sugar metabolism. It plays a crucial role in glycosylation processes, aiding in the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Additionally, it is utilized in studies focusing on carbohydrate metabolism and cellular signaling pathways. In pharmaceutical development, it acts as a precursor for synthesizing nucleotide analogs, which are essential in drug discovery and therapeutic applications. Its role in enhancing cellular energy metabolism also makes it valuable in studies related to mitochondrial function and energy production.