Splitomicin is primarily used in biochemical and genetic research as a selective inhibitor of sirtuin enzymes, particularly Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) proteins. These enzymes are involved in critical cellular processes such as gene silencing, DNA repair, and aging. By inhibiting sirtuins, splitomicin helps researchers study the role of these enzymes in metabolic regulation, stress response, and lifespan control in model organisms. It has also been employed in studies related to epigenetics, where modulation of sirtuin activity affects histone deacetylation and chromatin structure. Due to its ability to cross cell membranes, splitomicin is useful in cell-based assays to probe the physiological effects of sirtuin inhibition. While not used clinically, it serves as a valuable tool compound for validating sirtuin targets and exploring pathways linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases.