COMT — Zea mays

Summary

ZmCOMT (ZM00001EB172420) on maize chromosome 4 encodes a protein with caffeate O-methyltransferase activity and multiple other O-methyltransferase activities, including tricetin, quercetin 3-O-, myricetin 3'-O-, flavone 3'-O-, and acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase activity, and is classified under EC 2.1.1.68 and 2.1.1.175. The gene is associated with guaiacyl lignin anabolism, cell wall polysaccharide anabolism, serotonin metabolism, indole glucosinolate metabolism, and detoxification of hydrogen peroxide. It has been linked to agronomically important traits including lignin content, stem strength, dry matter digestibility, forage and biomass yield, seed weight and protein content, cellulose content, anthocyanin content, salinity tolerance, and viral disease response trait. The product localises to the cytosol, nucleus, plastid, plasmodesma, stress granule, and plant-type cell wall. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to sinapoyl ester biosynthesis, melatonin biosynthesis, and resistance to Alternaria brassicicola.