Used extensively in biochemical research to study enzyme kinetics, particularly those involving RNA synthesis and energy transfer processes. It serves as a substrate for RNA polymerases in in vitro transcription assays, enabling the synthesis of RNA molecules. Additionally, it plays a role in studying cellular signaling pathways, as it is a precursor for the synthesis of UDP-sugars, which are critical in glycosylation reactions. It is also utilized in metabolic studies to understand nucleotide metabolism and energy utilization in cells. In drug development, it aids in the investigation of nucleotide-based therapeutics and their mechanisms of action.