OMT — Zea mays

Summary

ZM00001EB169520 (ZmOMT, also known as ZRP4 or ASMT1) on maize chromosome 4 encodes an O-methyltransferase with multiple methyltransferase activities, including acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase activity. The gene is associated with melatonin anabolism, phenylpropanoid metabolism, auxin transport, regulation of stomatal closure, response to mannitol, and high light stress tolerance. It has been connected to insect damage, drought tolerance, lignin content, seed protein content, heterosis, and IAA content. The protein localises to the cytosol, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Studies of related genes in other species link the O-methyltransferase family to melatonin synthesis, leaf senescence, grain yield, and disease resistance.