Streptolydigin is primarily utilized in research settings as a potent inhibitor of bacterial RNA polymerase. It effectively halts the transcription process in bacteria by binding to the enzyme, making it a valuable tool for studying bacterial gene expression and transcription mechanisms. Its application extends to the development of novel antibiotics, as understanding its interaction with RNA polymerase can aid in designing new drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Additionally, streptolydigin is used in biochemical assays to investigate the structural and functional aspects of RNA polymerase, providing insights into the molecular basis of transcription inhibition.