GSK2656157 is primarily used in research settings to study its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. It functions as a potent and selective inhibitor of PERK, a protein kinase involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. By inhibiting PERK, GSK2656157 helps researchers understand the role of UPR in cancer cell survival and proliferation, offering insights into how targeting this pathway could lead to novel cancer therapies. Additionally, it is being explored for its potential to enhance the efficacy of other cancer treatments by sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy or radiation. Its application extends to studying neurodegenerative diseases, where UPR dysregulation is implicated, providing a tool to investigate potential therapeutic strategies.