COMT — Brachypodium distachyon

Summary

BRADI_2G02390V3 (BdCOMT) encodes a protein with caffeate O-methyltransferase activity and additional O-methyltransferase activities toward tricetin, quercetin, myricetin, flavone, and acetylserotonin. The product belongs to the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily and is associated with lignin, flavonoid, and indole glucosinolate biosynthesis, as well as serotonin and melatonin metabolism. BdCOMT is associated with lignin content, leaf vein morphology, cell growth, viral disease response, reproductive period, and IAA content. It is also associated with callus formation, nematode resistance, alkaline stress tolerance, and premature senescence. The protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, plastid, plasmalemma, plasmodesmata, plant-type cell wall, and stress granules. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to grain yield, biomass, stem strength, drought sensitivity, and cell wall composition.