Used in cell culture and research as a bioactive lipid mediator, particularly in studies related to cell signaling, apoptosis, and cancer biology. It serves as a key intermediate in sphingolipid metabolism and is employed to investigate pathways involving protein kinase C inhibition and regulation of cell growth. Commonly used in in vitro assays to modulate sphingolipid-dependent cellular processes. Also utilized in the development and testing of therapeutic agents targeting sphingolipid-related diseases.