SAICAR plays a significant role in cellular metabolism, particularly in the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway. It acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of inosine monophosphate (IMP), which is a precursor to adenosine and guanine nucleotides. These nucleotides are essential for various biological processes, including DNA and RNA synthesis, energy transfer (ATP and GTP), and cell signaling.

In research, SAICAR is often used to study metabolic pathways and enzyme functions, particularly those involved in purine biosynthesis. It helps in understanding metabolic disorders and developing therapeutic strategies for conditions like cancer, where nucleotide metabolism is often dysregulated. Additionally, SAICAR has been investigated for its potential role in modulating cellular responses to stress and energy deprivation, making it a subject of interest in studies related to cellular adaptation and survival mechanisms.