ID-8 is primarily used in stem cell research as a small molecule that promotes the self-renewal of pluripotent stem cells. It functions by inhibiting specific kinases involved in cell differentiation, thereby helping maintain stem cells in an undifferentiated state under defined culture conditions. This makes ID-8 valuable for expanding stem cell populations without losing their pluripotency, which is critical for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug screening applications. Its use enhances the efficiency and reproducibility of stem cell cultures, particularly in feeder-free and xeno-free systems where precise control over signaling pathways is required.