Okadaic acid potassium salt, derived from the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum concavum, is primarily used in biochemical research as a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases, specifically PP1 and PP2A. As a lipophilic polyether toxin and a key component of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, it plays a crucial role in studying cellular processes such as signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Researchers utilize it to induce hyperphosphorylation of proteins, helping to understand the role of phosphorylation in various biological pathways. Additionally, it serves as a valuable tool in toxicology studies to investigate the effects of phosphatase inhibition on cellular function, environmental contamination through seafood, and its implications in diseases like cancer. Its ability to disrupt normal cellular mechanisms makes it essential for exploring the molecular basis of various physiological and pathological conditions.