Used primarily in research settings to study cellular signaling pathways, particularly those involving sphingolipid metabolism. It acts as an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase, an enzyme crucial for producing sphingosine-1-phosphate, a lipid mediator involved in cell growth, survival, and migration. This makes it valuable in investigating cancer, inflammation, and immune responses. Additionally, it helps in understanding the role of sphingolipids in various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular conditions. Its application extends to pharmacological studies aimed at developing therapeutic agents targeting sphingolipid-related pathways.