Used primarily in biological research to study autophagy, a cellular degradation process. It acts as an inhibitor of class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), which are crucial for autophagosome formation. Researchers employ it to block autophagy in experimental settings, helping to understand its role in cellular homeostasis, disease mechanisms, and cell survival. Additionally, it is utilized in cancer research to investigate the relationship between autophagy and tumor progression or resistance to therapy. Its application extends to studying neurodegenerative diseases, where autophagy plays a significant role in clearing damaged proteins and organelles.