COMT — Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Summary

BvCOMT (BVRB_6G152240) on sugar beet chromosome 6 encodes a member of the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily with caffeate O-methyltransferase, flavone 3′-O-methyltransferase, and xanthotoxol O-methyltransferase activities. The gene is associated with lignin, flavonol, coumarin, indole glucosinolate, serotonin, melatonin, and alkaloid biosynthesis, as well as regulation of anthocyanin metabolism and response to UV, freezing, and mannitol. It has been linked to leaf vein morphology, photosynthetic rate, viral disease response, and cell growth traits. Phenotypic associations include callus formation, guaiacol production, resistance to root-knot nematode, and syringyl lignin biosynthesis. The protein localises to the nucleus, cytosol, plastid, plasmalemma, plasmodesma, plant-type cell wall, and stress granules. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to sinapoyl ester content, lignin composition, and nitrogen stress adaptation.