COMT — Sorghum bicolor

Summary

SORBI_3007G059100 (SbCOMT) on sorghum chromosome 7 encodes a protein with caffeate O-methyltransferase activity and multiple other O-methyltransferase activities, including naringenin 7-O-methyltransferase, quercetin 3-O-methyltransferase, and flavone 3'-O-methyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with lignin content and composition, flavonoid biosynthesis, and indole glucosinolate metabolism. It has been linked to reproductive period, IAA content, viral disease response, leaf vein morphology, and sugar content. Associations also include response to water, freezing, and mannitol, as well as regulation of stomatal closure, pigmentation, and phloem transport. The encoded protein localizes to the cytosol, nucleus, plastid, plasmalemma, plant-type cell wall, and plasmodesmata. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to lignin biosynthesis, dry matter digestibility, stem strength, biomass yield, and grain traits.