Okadaic acid sodium salt is widely used in biochemical research as a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases, particularly PP1 and PP2A. This property makes it a valuable tool for studying cellular signaling pathways, as it helps to elucidate the role of phosphorylation in regulating various biological processes. Researchers utilize it to induce hyperphosphorylation of proteins, which can mimic certain disease states, such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders, providing insights into their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, it is employed in marine toxin studies to understand the effects of harmful algal blooms and their impact on marine life and human health. Its ability to disrupt cellular functions also makes it useful in toxicology research for assessing the effects of phosphatase inhibition on cell viability and metabolism.