NSC 23766 is primarily used in biochemical research to study cellular processes, particularly those involving the Rho family of GTPases. It specifically inhibits Rac1 activation, a small GTPase involved in various cellular functions such as cytoskeleton organization, cell migration, and cell proliferation. This makes it a valuable tool for understanding the role of Rac1 in cancer metastasis, as its inhibition can help researchers explore potential therapeutic strategies to block tumor cell invasion and spread. Additionally, NSC 23766 is utilized in neuroscience research to investigate Rac1's role in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity, providing insights into neurological disorders. Its application extends to vascular biology, where it helps elucidate mechanisms of endothelial cell function and angiogenesis. Overall, NSC 23766 serves as a critical compound for dissecting Rac1-mediated pathways in diverse biological contexts.