Used in research related to bile acid metabolism and neurological disorders. Plays a role in studying pathways of cholesterol oxidation in the brain, particularly in connection with neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). Serves as a biomarker for inborn errors of bile acid synthesis due to its accumulation in certain metabolic conditions. Also utilized in analytical standards for mass spectrometry and HPLC to quantify sterol metabolites in biological fluids. Investigated for its potential involvement in liver function and cholesterol homeostasis.