COMT — Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Summary

BvCOMT (BVRB_3G050950) on sugar beet chromosome 3 encodes a caffeic acid O-methyltransferase, a member of the COMT-like family with SAM-dependent methyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with multiple O-methyltransferase activities, including flavone 3'-O-methyltransferase and quercetin 3-O-methyltransferase. It is linked to lignin, flavonol, indole glucosinolate, serotonin, melatonin, and alkaloid biosynthesis, as well as regulation of anthocyanin metabolism, response to freezing and mannitol, phloem transport, and stomatal closure. The encoded protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, plastid, plasmalemma, plasmodesma, stress granule, and plant-type cell wall. Associations with agronomic traits include nitrogen content, leaf vein morphology, photosynthetic rate, viral disease response, and cell growth. Phenotypic connections include lignin biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, nematode resistance, and alkaline stress tolerance.