RU-SKI 43 hydrochloride, as an Hhat inhibitor, is primarily used in research to study the role of protein palmitoylation in cellular processes. It specifically targets Hedgehog acyltransferase (Hhat), an enzyme involved in the palmitoylation of Hedgehog proteins, which are crucial for embryonic development and tissue regeneration. By inhibiting Hhat, this compound helps researchers understand the mechanisms of Hedgehog signaling pathways, which are often dysregulated in cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. Additionally, it serves as a tool to explore potential therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to aberrant Hedgehog signaling. Its application extends to drug discovery, where it aids in identifying and validating new targets for cancer treatment.