Rescue of synaptic plasticity and spatial learning deficits in the hippocampus of Homer1 knockout mice by recombinant Adeno-associated viral gene delivery of Homer1c

► Homer1 knockout mice display deficits in long term potentiation in the hippocampus. ► Gene delivery of Homer1c rescues the synaptic deficits of Homer1 knockout mice. ► The LTP rescue by Homer1c in Homer1 knockout mice is dependent on mGluR5 activation. ► Homer1c also rescues the spatial learning deficits found in Homer1 knockout mice. ► Homer1c gene transfer into neurons results in upregulation of mGluR5 in astrocytes.