Desmosterol is primarily used in research settings to study cholesterol biosynthesis and its regulatory mechanisms. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of cholesterol, making it valuable for understanding metabolic pathways and disorders related to cholesterol metabolism, such as desmosterolosis, a rare genetic condition. Additionally, desmosterol is utilized in pharmacological studies to investigate the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs and to explore potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Its role in cell membrane composition and function also makes it relevant in studies focused on cellular biology and lipid dynamics.