COMT — Brachypodium distachyon

Summary

BdCOMT (BRADI_2G02380V3) on chromosome 2 of Brachypodium distachyon encodes a protein with caffeate O-methyltransferase activity and additional O-methyltransferase activities toward tricetin, quercetin, myricetin, flavone, and acetylserotonin. The gene is associated with lignin, flavonoid, and indole glucosinolate biosynthesis, as well as serotonin and melatonin metabolism. It has been linked to lignin content, leaf vein morphology, viral disease response, and cell growth traits. Associations also include responses to freezing, hydrogen peroxide, and mannitol, along with regulation of anthocyanin metabolism, stomatal closure, and phloem transport. The protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, plastid, plasmalemma, plant-type cell wall, plasmodesma, and stress granules. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to grain yield, biomass, stem strength, drought sensitivity, and lignin composition.