NU 2058 is primarily used as a selective inhibitor of the enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and CDK2, making it a valuable tool in cell cycle research. It helps scientists study the mechanisms of cell division and the role of CDKs in regulating the cell cycle. Due to its inhibitory action, NU 2058 is often employed in experiments investigating cell cycle arrest, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. It has also been used in cancer research to explore the effects of CDK inhibition on tumor cell proliferation. Its selectivity allows researchers to target specific kinases without broadly affecting other cellular processes, enhancing the precision of experimental outcomes in molecular and cellular biology studies.