PreQ1 dihydrochloride is primarily utilized in biochemical research as a precursor in the study of queuosine biosynthesis. Queuosine is a modified nucleoside found in tRNA, and understanding its synthesis pathway is crucial for insights into cellular processes and RNA modification mechanisms. This compound is often employed in enzymatic assays and metabolic studies to investigate the role of queuosine in tRNA function and its impact on gene expression regulation. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool in exploring potential therapeutic targets related to RNA modifications and their implications in diseases such as cancer and microbial infections.