5′-Untranslated region of heat shock protein 70 mRNA drives translation under hypertonic conditions

► A cell-free system translating a bicistronic cap- and IRES-containing mRNA was set-up. ► HSP70 IRES-driven translation is resistant to hypertonicity. ► Cap-dependent translation is strongly inhibited under hypertonic conditions. ► A mechanism underlying HSP70 accumulation in cells after hypertonic-stress was shown.