ASMT — Cucumis sativus

Summary

CSA_7G018730 (ASMT, CsASMT) on cucumber chromosome 7 encodes a SAM-dependent methyltransferase with O-methyltransferase activity toward multiple substrates including norcoclaurine, reticuline, and quercetin derivatives. The protein belongs to the COMT-like family and localises to the cytosol, cytoplasm, and nucleus. ASMT is associated with melatonin anabolism, isoflavonoid anabolism, alkaloid anabolism, auxin anabolism, chlorophyll anabolism, flavonoid metabolism, photoprotection, circadian rhythm, leaf senescence, seed germination, downregulation of seed germination, regulation of stomatal closure, osmotic response, and response to mannitol. The gene has been connected to stem diameter, net photosynthetic rate, leaf senescence trait, melatonin synthesis, chilling tolerance, and high light stress tolerance. Studies of related genes in other species link the ASMT family to drought sensitivity, water use efficiency, seed dormancy, chlorophyll content, oxidative stress tolerance, thermotolerance, and disease resistance.