Used in biochemical and molecular biology research, particularly in studies of lipid rafts and cellular signaling. This compound is a glycosphingolipid with a structure similar to those found in animal cell membranes. It serves as a model for investigating lipid organization and interactions with membrane proteins. Additionally, it is employed in research on diseases involving abnormal lipid accumulation, such as lysosomal storage disorders. It can also be utilized in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting cell membranes or lipid-based drug delivery systems.