Used in biochemical research to study the sterol synthesis pathway in cells, acting as a starting material or intermediate in the production of cholesterol and other sterols. Helps in understanding the mechanisms of involved enzymes, such as squalene epoxidase and oxidosqualene cyclase. Commonly used in in vitro experimental systems to evaluate the effects of enzyme inhibitors or to study metabolic abnormalities related to sterol formation, which is important for developing drugs to treat diseases associated with high cholesterol levels.