RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Drug discovery: CNS and ophthalmic
• Biomedical mass spectrometry
• Neuroproteomics
• Neuropeptides
• Neurosteroids/neuroprotection
• Support of early-phase drug discovery and development: ADME
• Combinatorial chemistry

• Organic and biomedical mass spectrometry
• Chromatography (HPLC, GC, SEC)
• Molecular modeling, QSAR/QSPR
• Organic/peptide synthesis

• Early-phase evaluation of drug leads: ADME assessment/prediction
• Application of mass spectrometry to pharmaceutical, biomedical, and industrial problems
• Review of drug design/discovery programs

1. Prokai L., Zharikova A.  “Neuropharmacodynamic Evaluation of a Centrally Active Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone Analogue [Leu2]TRH and its Chemical Brain-targeting System.”  Brain Res., 952:268-274 (2002).
2. Prokai L.  “Central Nervous System Effects of Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone and its Analogues: Opportunities and Perspectives for Drug Discovery and Development.”  Progress in Drug Research, (E.M. Jucker, Ed.), Birkhäuser, Basel, 59:133-170 (2002).
3. Prokai L., Zharikova A., Janáky T., Li X., Braddy A.C., Perjési P., Matveeva L., Powell D.H., Prokai-Tatrai K.  “Integration of Mass Spectrometry into Early-phase Discovery and Development of Central Nervous System Agents.”  Journal of Mass Spectrom., 36:1211-1219 (2001).
4. Prokai L., Oon S.M., Prokai-Tatrai K., Abboud K.A., Simpkins J.W.  “Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 17b-alkoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trienes as Potential Neuroprotectants Against Oxidative Stress.”  Journal of Med. Chem., 44:110-114 (2001).
5. Prokai L., Prokai-Tatrai K., Zharikova A., Li X., Rocca J.R.  “Combinatorial Lead-optimization of a Neuropeptide FF Antagonist.”  Journal of Med. Chem., 44:1623-1626 (2001).