The mTOR signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex is compromised in major depressive disorder

► We used postmortem cortical tissue to examine mTOR signaling in depression. ► Reductions in mTOR, p70S6K, eIF4B and p-eIF4B were identified. ► No differences were seen in eIF4E, p-eIF4E or actin levels. ► Specific dysregulation of mTOR/p70S6K/eIF4B signaling is evident in depression. ► Dysfunction of mTOR signaling may underlie synaptic deficits in depression.