COMT — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3001G456650 (SbCOMT) on sorghum chromosome 1 encodes a caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase, a member of the COMT-like family with SAM-dependent methyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with multiple O-methyltransferase activities, including caffeate, quercetin 3-O-, and naringenin 7-O-methyltransferase, and with serotonin metabolism, indole glucosinolate metabolism, flavonol biosynthesis, and melatonin anabolism. It has been linked to lignin content and composition, sugar content, and responses to water, freezing, and thermal stimuli. Associations with reproductive period, IAA content, leaf vein morphology, and viral disease response have also been noted. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to lignin biosynthesis, cell wall properties, biomass yield, drought sensitivity, and grain traits.