Used in research to study cholesterol metabolism, particularly in the conversion of cholesterol to 27-hydroxycholesterol, a key step in bile acid synthesis. Helps investigate disorders related to lipid metabolism such as cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) and atherosclerosis. Enables measurement of CYP27A1 enzyme activity in cell lysates or tissue samples, supporting drug development and evaluation of therapeutic targets in metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Also utilized in studies exploring the role of oxysterols in inflammation, cancer, and immune regulation.