Used in biochemical research to study enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways, particularly those involving nucleotide and carbohydrate metabolism. It serves as a substrate for enzymes like kinases, phosphorylases, and glycosyltransferases, aiding in understanding cellular energy processes and glycosylation pathways. Applied in the synthesis of RNA and DNA analogs, as well as UDP-sugars for glycobiology studies. Also used in cell culture media to support cell growth and proliferation, especially in studies focused on nucleotide salvage pathways. Additionally, it plays a role in drug development, particularly in designing antiviral, anticancer, and glycoconjugate-targeting agents.