COMT — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3007G047300 (SbCOMT) encodes a caffeate O-methyltransferase with activity toward tricetin, quercetin, myricetin, flavone, and acetylserotonin, and is a member of the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily. In sorghum, this gene is associated with serotonin and indole glucosinolate metabolism, regulation of anthocyanin metabolism, flavonol biosynthesis, melatonin anabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. It has been linked to lignin content, sugar content, reproductive period, IAA content, viral disease response, leaf vein morphology, and cell growth and development traits. The encoded protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, plasmalemma, plastid, plant-type cell wall, plasmodesma, and stress granules. Studies of related genes in other species connect the COMT family to lignin biosynthesis, cell wall composition, grain yield, drought sensitivity, and biomass yield.