This compound is primarily utilized in biochemical research to study cellular processes, particularly as a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases. It is widely employed to investigate signal transduction pathways, as it selectively inhibits PP1 and PP2A, leading to hyperphosphorylation of proteins. This property makes it a valuable tool for understanding the regulation of cell division, apoptosis, and other cellular functions. Additionally, it is used in studies related to tumor promotion and the effects of phosphatase inhibition on cellular metabolism. Its application extends to marine toxin research, where it serves as a reference standard for detecting and analyzing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins in seafood. As a highly toxic marine-derived compound, it should be handled with extreme care to avoid adverse health effects from skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.