Ac-DEVD-CHO is a potent and cell-permeable inhibitor of caspase activity, primarily targeting caspase-3 and caspase-7. It is widely used in apoptosis research to block programmed cell death in experimental models. By inhibiting the cleavage of key cellular substrates, it helps researchers study the role of caspases in various biological processes such as development, immune response, and neurodegeneration. This compound is frequently applied in studies involving cell death pathways, including those triggered by chemotherapy, radiation, or oxidative stress. It is also used to confirm the involvement of caspases in observed apoptotic events. Due to its specificity for caspase-3-like proteases, it serves as a valuable tool in distinguishing caspase-dependent from caspase-independent apoptosis. In addition, Ac-DEVD-CHO is utilized in protein extraction protocols where preservation of intact cellular proteins is required, as it prevents degradation by endogenous caspases during sample preparation. Its cell-permeable nature allows direct application in live cell cultures without the need for transfection agents.