Dr. Mohammad Shaban Qneibi: Advancing AMPA Receptor Science Through Interdisciplinary Neurochemical Research

An Inspirational Researcher in Interdisciplinary Studies

Dr. Mohammad Shaban Qneibi is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Neurochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at An-Najah National University. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry (specializing in Neurochemistry) from the University at Albany, State University of New York, where his dissertation focused on the structure–activity relationship of noncompetitive AMPA receptor inhibitors. He also completed postdoctoral training at Yale School of Medicine and the Hebrew University–Hadassah Medical School, specializing in ion channel mechanics and the molecular regulation of glutamate receptors.

Dr. Qneibi’s research focuses on the neurochemical and biophysical mechanisms of excitatory synaptic transmission, with particular emphasis on AMPA receptor gating kinetics, their regulation by auxiliary subunits, and their role in synaptic plasticity. He has an outstanding record of high-impact peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including Neuron, Molecular Neurobiology, ACS Chemical Neuroscience, The FEBS Journal, Scientific Reports, ACS Biochemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, and European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. His work has substantially advanced the understanding of glutamatergic neurotransmission.

His achievements include securing competitive research grants as Principal Investigator, receiving multiple awards for excellence in scientific research, and leading neuroscience research projects. Dr. Qneibi is also actively engaged in mentoring emerging researchers, translating fundamental discoveries in neurochemistry into broadly impactful outcomes in neuroscience, thereby strengthening the integration between basic research and advanced neurological applications.

The Beginning of the Journey

My research journey began with a deep motivation to understand the molecular mechanisms governing brain function. During my doctoral studies at the University at Albany, I specialized in investigating the structure–activity relationship of benzodiazepine compounds as noncompetitive AMPA receptor inhibitors. This interest deepened during my postdoctoral training at Yale University, where I focused on the biophysics of ion channels and mechanosensation mechanisms. Upon returning to An-Najah National University, my research trajectory evolved into an interdisciplinary approach that integrates medicinal chemistry, neuroscience, and advanced electrophysiological techniques, with the aim of developing precise pharmacological modulators targeting glutamate receptors and their applications in neurological disorders.

Interdisciplinary (Multidisciplinary) Research Approach

Clarification of how multiple disciplines or knowledge domains are integrated in your research, and how this integration contributes to advancing knowledge or providing innovative scientific solutions. My research approach is built upon a genuine integration of medicinal chemistry, molecular neuroscience, and biophysics. I design and synthesize novel chemical compounds and then evaluate their functional effects on AMPA receptors using patch-clamp electrophysiology and detailed kinetic analyses. This integration of organic synthesis, molecular modeling, and electrophysiological studies enables a deep understanding of structure–activity relationships and contributes to the development of selective pharmacological modulators with therapeutic potential. Through my work at An-Najah National University, this integration has expanded to include studies on natural products, pharmaceutical applications, and biological data analysis, further strengthening the interdisciplinary nature of the research and contributing innovative scientific solutions in the field of neurological disorders.

Major Interdisciplinary Research Contributions

A brief presentation of your most important peer-reviewed publications (including journal name and year of publication), highlighting key findings and their scientific or practical impact. Among my most significant interdisciplinary contributions is a study published in Molecular Neurobiology (2024) that investigated the mechanisms of allosteric modulation of AMPA receptors and their effects on the biophysical properties of ion channels, thereby contributing to the identification of new pharmacological targets for neurodegenerative disorders. I also published research in ACS Chemical Neuroscience (2024) on benzodioxole derivatives as selective modulators of AMPA receptors in a Parkinson’s disease model, highlighting their neuroprotective potential. In Scientific Reports (2025), we presented findings on Palestinian essential oils, including their antioxidant activity and functional modulation of neuronal receptors, thereby representing an intersection between natural products research and neuroscience. Additionally, I authored a comprehensive review in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2024) on the multifaceted therapeutic applications of AMPA receptors, linking medicinal chemistry with targeted drug design.

 

Conclusion

A summary highlighting the importance of your research experience and its impact on serving society or advancing the scientific field. My research experience represents an integrated scientific pathway that combines deep molecular understanding with innovative drug design, rooted in academic and research work at An-Najah National University and strengthened through international collaborations. This approach has enhanced understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of AMPA receptors and their potential as therapeutic targets in neurological disorders, thereby bridging basic research and clinical applications. At the societal level, this trajectory supports the development of an advanced research environment and the training of a new generation of researchers capable of producing high-quality knowledge that advances the medical sciences and public health.

 

  1. Essential oils from Artemisia judaica, Ruta graveolens and Salvia palaestina with antiradical, cytotoxic and AMPA receptor-modulatory activities

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Scientific Reports

15, 45644

 

Impact factor 3.9, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13280

 

2025

Journal

Original article
  1. Artificial Intelligence for Myocardial Infarction Detection via Electrocardiogram: A Scoping Review

Conceptualization, Data curation, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Journal of Clinical Medicine

14(19), 6792

 

Impact factor 2.9, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13312

2025

Journal

Review article
  1. Antioxidant activity and neuromodulatory synergies in fixed oils from Nigella sativa, Cucurbita pepo, and Sinapis alba Seeds

Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Resources, Software, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing

Industrial Crops and Products

228, 120868

 

Impact factor 6.2, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/4906

2025

Journal

Original article
  1. Regulating AMPA Receptors with Isoxazole-4-Carboxamide Derivatives: An Electrophysiological Study

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Journal of Xenobiotics, 15(2), 40

 

Impact factor 4.4, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/10272

 

 

 

2025

Journal

Original article
  1. Transethosomal system for enhanced transdermal delivery and therapeutic effect of caryophyllene oxide

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

670, 125111

 

Impact factor 5.2, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/4882

 

2025

Journal

Original article
  1. Isoxazole-Carboxamide Modulators of GluA2-Containing α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic Acid Receptors in Parkinson's Disease

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Chemistry & Biodiversity

22(8), e202500392

 

Impact factor 2.5, Q3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/16939

 

 

2025

Journal

Original article
  1. Assessment of Neuromodulatory Effects of Origanum punonense Danin Essential Oil on AMPA Receptor Function Using Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

72 (2024) 102411

 

Impact factor 1.7, Q3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/19821

 

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. Exploring the role of AMPA receptor auxiliary proteins in synaptic functions and diseases.

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

FEBS Journal

292(10), 2433-2478

 

Impact factor 4.2, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/9360

2024

Journal

Review article
  1. Integrative bioinformatic and experimental analysis of benzoylbenzodioxol derivatives: hypoglycemic potential in diabetic mice

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

3 Biotech

14(10), 1-14

 

Impact factor 2.9, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/16585

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. . Exploring the Iris haynei essential oil: analysis of phytochemical composition, evaluation of cytotoxicity, antimicrobial properties, and AMPA receptor modulation.

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

11(1), 117

 

Impact factor 5.2, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13435

 

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. Assessing the Effects of Thiazole-Carboxamide Derivatives on the Biophysical Properties of AMPA Receptor Complexes as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent.

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Molecules

29(13), 3232

 

Impact factor 4.6, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13347

 

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. Evaluating the Neuroprotective Potential of Novel Benzodioxole Derivatives in Parkinson’s Disease via AMPA Receptor Modulation

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

ACS Chemical Neuroscience

15 (11), 2334-2349

 

Impact factor 3.9, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/9266

 

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. AMPA receptor neurotransmission and therapeutic applications: A comprehensive review of their multifaceted modulation

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

266 (2024) 116151

 

Impact factor 5.9, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/2663

 

2024

Journal

Review article
  1. Multi-biological activity assessment and phytochemical characterization of an aqueous extract of the Cymbopogon citratus grown in Palestine

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

24(1), 27

 

Impact factor 3.8, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/16717

 

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. Deciphering the Biophysical Properties of Ion Channel Gating Pores by Coumarin–Benzodiazepine Hybrid Derivatives: Selective AMPA Receptor Antagonists.

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Molecular Neurobiology

61(7), 4565-4576

 

Impact factor 4.3, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/9332

 

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. Investigating the Diverse Therapeutic Potential of Hypericum triquetrifolium Aerial Parts in Palestine: Ranging from Examining Metabolic Enzyme Inhibition To Neuroprotective Effects

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing.

*Corresponding Author

Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal

9 (3), 2

2024

Journal

Original article
  1. A Comprehensive Review of Essential Oils and Their Pharmacological Activities in Neurological Disorders: Exploring Neuroprotective Potential.

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Neurochemical Research

49(2), 258-289

 

Impact factor 3.8, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13859

 

 

 

2024

Journal

Review article
  1. Characterization and Investigation of Novel Benzodioxol Derivatives as Antidiabetic agents: An In vitro and In vivo study in Animal Model

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Biomolecules

13 (10), 1486

 

Impact factor 4.8, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/7112

 

2023

Journal

Original article
  1. Electrophysiological Assessment of Newly Synthesized 2,3-Benzodiazepine Derivatives for Inhibiting the AMPA Receptor Channel

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Molecules

28(16), 6067

 

Impact factor 4.6, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13347

 

2023

Journal

Original article
  1. The effect of Lavandula Coronopifolia essential oil on the biophysical properties of desensitization and deactivation gating currents in ionotropic receptors

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Scientific Reports

13 (1), 8417

 

Impact factor 3.9, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13280

 

2023

Journal

Original article
  1. Evaluation of Cytotoxic, COX Inhibitory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Novel Isoxazole-carboxamide Derivatives

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Letters in Drug Design & Discovery

20 (12), 1994-2002

 

Impact factor 1.6, Q4

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/757

2023

Journal

Original article
  1. α-Lipoic Acid Derivatives as Allosteric Modulators for Targeting AMPA-Type Glutamate Receptors' Gating Modules

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Cells

11 (22), 3608

 

Impact factor 5.2, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/476

 

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. Targeting the kinetics mechanism of AMPA receptor inhibition by 2-oxo-3H-benzoxazole derivatives

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Bioorganic Chemistry

129 (2022), 106163

 

Impact factor 4.7, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13039

 

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. Affecting AMPA Receptor Biophysical Gating Properties with Negative Allosteric Modulators

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Molecular Neurobiology

5264-527559 (9),

 

Impact factor 4.3, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/9332

 

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. The Effect of Novel Negative Allosteric 2,3-Benzodiazepine on Glutamate AMPA Receptor and their cytotoxicity

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Journal of Molecular Structure

1261 (2022) 132936

 

Impact factor 4.7, Q2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/14654

 

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects of phenylthio-ethyl benzoate derivatives, and molecular docking study regarding α-amylase enzyme

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Scientific Reports

310812,

 

Impact factor 3.9, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13280

 

 

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. The impact of filtered water-pipe smoke on healthy versus cancer cells and their neurodegenerative role on AMPA receptor

Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Software, Methodology, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Drug and Chemical Toxicology

45 (5), 2292-2300

 

Impact factor 1.9, Q3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/17526

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. Constituents, Antibacterial Adhesion, Cytotoxic and in Vitro Metastasis Blocking Properties of Salvia fruticosa Essential Oils from Three Palestinian Localities.

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Chemistry & Biodiversity

19(4), e202100872

 

Impact factor 2.5, Q3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/16939

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. Assessing Artemisia arborescens essential oil compositions, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects gathered from two geographic locations in Palestine

Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing.

Industrial Crops and Products

176 (2022) 114360

 

Impact factor 6.2, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/4906

2022

Journal

Original article
  1. The AMPA receptor biophysical gating properties and binding site: Focus on novel curcumin-based diazepines as non-competitive antagonists

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

Bioorganic Chemistry

116 (2021) 105406

 

Impact factor 4.7, Q1

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13039

 

2021

Journal

Original article
  1. Anticancer, Free Radicals, and Digestive Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Rubus Sanctus Schreb Root Four Solvent Fractions.

 

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

66906462021(1)

2021

Journal

Original article
  1. Inula viscosa (L.) Greuter, phytochemical composition, antioxidant, total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, and neuroprotective effects

Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, funding acquisition, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, and Writing – review & editing. *Corresponding Author

European Journal of Integrative Medicine

42 (2021) 101291

 

Impact factor 1.7, Q3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/19821

 

2021

Journal

Original article
  1. Free radicals and enzymes inhibitory potentials of the traditional medicinal plant Echium angustifolium

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

European journal of integrative medicine

38 (2020) 101196

 

Impact factor 1.7, Q3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/19821

2020

Journal

Original article
  1. Glechoma curviflora Volatile Oil from Palestine: Chemical Composition and Neuroprotective, Antimicrobial, and Cyclooxygenase Inhibitory Activities

Investigation, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

41952722020 (1)

2020

Journal

Original article