Functional characterization of COMT genes in Chinese white pear (<i>Pyrus bretschneideri</i>) and their role in lignin synthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent O-methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of caffeic acid to form ferulic acid, a critical step in lignin biosynthesis. Lignin is essential for the development of stone cells in pear fruit, imparting their characteristic texture. Although COMT has been extensively studied in model organisms, its function in pears remains less explored.

Results

In this study, we identified 29 COMT genes in the pear variety 'Dangshan Su', classified into five subfamilies. These genes exhibit five conserved motifs, and promoter analysis indicates potential hormonal regulation. Transcriptome data showed that PbrCOMT1 is the predominant COMT gene in 'Dangshan Su' f

SUBMITTER: Feng X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12183264 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature