Used in research to study DNA damage and repair mechanisms, particularly in the context of oxidative stress and cancer biology. It acts as a nucleoside analog that can be incorporated into DNA during replication, making cells more sensitive to ultraviolet light and certain chemotherapeutic agents. This property is exploited in studies exploring targeted cancer therapies, especially those involving nucleotide metabolism and DNA instability. Also used to investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression due to its impact on cellular redox balance. Its incorporation into genetic material helps track replication dynamics and assess the efficacy of DNA-targeting drugs.