Fig. 3

mTOR is translated in a cap-independent manner. mTOR 5’UTR adopts a highly folded and evolutionary conserved structure, that is capable to directly bind to the 40 S ribosomal subunit in the absence of any initiation factor. This RNA scaffold assists cap-independent translation of mTOR, allowing sustained mTOR protein levels in translational inhibitory conditions (hypoxia). Cap-independent translation of mTOR occurs both in normal and stress conditions and is necessary for mTOR function