Down-regulation of Homer1b/c attenuates glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity through endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria pathways in rat cortical neurons

► Glutamate-induced neurotoxicity involves Ca2 +-dependent ROS production. ► Down-regulation of Homer 1b/c attenuates glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. ► Down-regulation of Homer1b/c inhibits glutamate-induced release of ER Ca2 +. ► Down-regulation of Homer1b/c reduces glutamate-induced ER stress. ► Down-regulation of Homer1b/c improves mitochondria function.