Prof. Dr. Anna Mikuła

e-mail anna.mikula@ob.pan.pl

tel. +48 22 648 38 56 w. 203

Research issues:

The research focuses on the induction and expression of somatic embryogenesis traced at the level of cyto-morphological-proteomic transformation of cells of primary explants. The research is based on agar cultures of selected seed plant species belonging to the genus Gentiana and spore-bearing plants (ferns) of the genus Cyathea i Asplenium. The developed system of bitterroot suspension cultures has made it possible to secure and monitor embryogenic potential for many years. The second research area is related to the use of liquid nitrogen for long-term storage of a variety of plant material: suspension aggregates Gentiana spp, gametophytes of herbaceous and woody fern species, growth cones, somatic embryos, spores. The research problems explored expand the basic knowledge of: 1) the role of preculture in the cryopreservation procedure; 2) the effectiveness of various cryopreservation methods in securing the viability of diverse plant material; 3) the restoration of post-freeze cultures; 4) the cyto-morphological variation of PEM and the specificity of suspension culture on its survival after cryopreservation; 5) the effect of cryopreservation on embryogenic potential; 6) proteomic changes occurring under cryotreatment; 7) the effectiveness of cryopreservation in securing genetic stability.

  1. Culture in vitro ferns and species of the genus Gentiana;
  2. Plant regeneration by somatic embryogenesis in cell suspensions and agar cultures;
  3. Cryopreservation of plant material;
  4. Cyto-morphological and proteomic analysis of changes occurring in response to dehydration treatment of plant material in the cryopreservation procedure and in the process of somatic embryogenesis;
  5. Genetic stability of plant material after cryopreservation.

Selected publications:

  1. Tomiczak K., Mikuła A., Niedziela A., Wójcik-Lewandowska A., Domżalska L., Rybczyński J.J. 2019 Somatic embryogenesis in the family Gentianaceae and its biotechnological application. Front. Plant Sci. 10: 762. DOI:10.3389/fpls.2019.00762 (MNiSW=40, IF=4.106).
  2. Grzyb M., Mikula A. 2019 Explant type and stress treatment determine the uni- and multicellular origin of somatic embryos in the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Plant Cell Tiss Org Cult 136:221-230 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-018-1507-5
  3. Tomiczak K., Grzyb M., Rybczynski J.J., Mikula A. 2018. Somatic Embryogenesis and Somatic Embryo Cryopreservation of the Tree-Fern Cyathea Delgadii Sternb. In: Jain S., Gupta P. (eds) Step Wise Protocols for Somatic Embryogenesis of Important Woody Plants. Forestry Sciences, vol 85. Springer, Cham, pp 291-303. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-79087-9_23
  4. Mikuła A., Grzyb M., Tomiczak K., Rybczyński J.J. 2018 Experimental and practical application of fern somatic embryogenesis. In: Fernández H. (eds.) Current Advances in Fern Research. Springer, Cham pp 121-137 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75103-0_6
  5. Rybczynski J.J., Tomiczak K., Grzyb M., Mikula A. 2018. Morphogenic events in ferns: single and multicellular explants in vitro. In: Fernández H. (eds.) Current Advances in Fern Research. pp. 99-120 Springer, Cham https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75103-0_5
  6. Grzyb M., Kalandyk A., Mikuła A. 2018 Effect of TIBA, fluridone and salicylic acid on somatic embryogenesis and endogenous hormone and sugar contents in Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Acta Physiol Plant 40:1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-017-2577-4
  7. Kulus D., Serocka M., Mikuła A. 2018. Effect of various preculture and osmotic dehydration conditions on cryopreservation efficiency and morphogenetic response of chrysanthemum shoot tips. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum ser Hortorum Cultus 17(1) 2018, 139-147. DOI 10.24326/asphc.2018.1.13.
  8. Kulus D., Abratowska A., Mikuła A. 2018. Morphogenetic response of shoot tips to cryopreservation by encapsulation-dehydration in a solid mutant and periclinal chimeras of Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum /Ramat./ Kitam. Acta Physiol Plant 40:18 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-017-2593-4.
  9. Kulus D., Mikula A. 2017. The effect of cryopreservation on the ultrastructure of plant cells and their ability to continue development. Acta Sci. Pol., Biotechnology 16 (1) 33-44
  10. Grzyb M., Kalandyk A., Waligórski P., Mikuła A. 2017. The content of endogenous hormones and sugars in the process of early somatic embryogenesis in the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 129:387-397. DOI 10.1007/s11240-017-1185-8
  11. Domżalska L., Kędracka-Krok S., Jankowska U., Grzyb M., Sobczak M., Rybczyński JJ., Mikuła A. 2017. Proteomic analysis of stipe explants reveals differentially expressed proteins involved in early direct somatic embryogenesis of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Plant Science 258:61-76 DOI 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.01.017
  12. Kulus D., Mikula A. 2016. Cryopreservation in securing stability and physiological activity of plant cells. Acta Sci. Pol., Biotechnology 15 (4) 2016, 27-38.
  13. Domżalska L., Mikuła A., Rybczyński J.J., 2016. Protein extraction from Ca-alginate encapsulated plant material for comparative proteomic analysis. Protein Expression and Purification 126:55-61. doi: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.05.014
  14. Makowski D., Tomiczak K., Rybczynski J.J., Mikula A. 2016. Integration of tissue culture and cryopreservation methods for propagation and conservation of the fern Osmunda regalis L. Acta Physiol Plant 38: 19. DOI 10.1007/s11738-015-2037-y
  15. Makowski D., Rybczynski J.J., Mikula A. 2015. A simple way to overcome the recalcitrance of the water fern Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. to cryopreservation. Acta Soc Bot Pol 84(3): 385-388. doi 10.5586/asbp.2015.032
  16. Mikuła A., Tomiczak K., Makowski D., Niedzielski M., Rybczyński J.J. 2015. The effect of moisture content and temperature on spore aging in Osmunda regalis. Acta Physiol Plant 37: 229. DOI: 10.1007/s11738-015-1985-6
  17. Mikuła A., Pożoga M., Grzyb M., Rybczyński J.J. 2015. An unique system of somatic embryogenesis in the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb. - The importance of explant type, and physical and chemical factors. Plant Cell Tiss Org Cult 123: 467-478. DOI 10.1007/s11240-015-0850-z.
  18. Tomiczak K., Mikuła A., Sliwinska E., Rybczyński J.J. 2015. Autotetraploid plant regeneration by indirect somatic embryogenesis from leaf mesophyll protoplasts of diploid Gentiana decumbens L.f. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol - Plant 51: 350-359. DOI 10.1007/s11627-015-9674-0
  19. Mikuła A., Pożoga M., Tomiczak K., Rybczyński J.J. 2015 Somatic embryogenesis in ferns: a new experimental system. Plant Cell Rep 34(5): 783-794. DOI: 10.1007/s00299-015-1741-9.
  20. Tomiczak K., Mikuła A., Rybczyński J.J. 2015. Protoplast culture and somatic cell hybridization of gentians. In: Rybczynski J.J., Davey M., Mikuła A. (eds). The Gentianaceae - Volume 2: Biotechnology and Applications, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, pp 163-185
  21. Mikuła A., Tomizak K., Domżalska L., Rybczyński J.J. 2015. Cryopreservation of Gentianaceae: trends and applications. In: Rybczynski J.J., Davey M., Mikuła A. (eds). The Gentianaceae - Volume 2: Biotechnology and Applications, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 267-286
  22. Rybczynski J.J., Davey M.R., Tomiczak K., Niedziela A., Mikula A., 2015 Systems of plant regeneration in gentian in vitro cultures. In: Rybczynski J.J., Davey M., Mikula A. (eds). The Gentianaceae - Volume 2. Biotechnology and Application. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 1-44
  23. Mikula A., Makowski D., Walters C., Rybczynski J.J. 2011 Exploration of cryo-methods to preserve tree and herbaceous fern gametophytes. In: Fernández H, Kumar A and Revilla MA (eds). Working with Ferns: Issues and Applications. Springer 173-192.
  24. Rybczynski J, Mikula A 2011. Gametophyte culture and its application for vegetative propagation of tree ferns. In: Fernández H, Kumar A and Revilla MA (eds). Working with Ferns: Issues and Applications. Springer 135-148
  25. Mikuła A., Tomiczak K., Rybczyński J.J. 2011. Cryopreservation enhances embryogenic capacity of Gentiana cruciata (L.) suspension culture and maintains (epi)genetic uniformity of regenerants. Plant Cell Rep 30: 565-574. DOI 10.1007/s00299-010-0970-1
  26. Mikuła A., Tomiczak K., Wójcik A., Rybczyński J.J. 2011 Encapsulation-dehydration method elevates embryogenesity of Gentiana kurroo cell suspension and carrying on genetic stability of its regenerants. Acta Horticulturae 908: 143-154
  27. Mikuła A., Jata K., Rybczyński J.J. 2009 Cryopreservation strategies for Cyathea australis (R. Br.) Domin. CryoLetters 30 (6): 429-439.
  28. Mikuła A, Olas M, Śliwińska E, Rybczyński JJ 2008 Cryopreservation by encapsulation of Gentiana spp. cell suspensions maintains re-growth, embryogenic competence and DNA content. CryoLetters 29: 409-418.
  29. Rybczynski J.J, Borkowska B., Fiuk A., Gawronska H., Sliwinska E., Mikula A. 2007 Effect of sucrose concentration on photosynthetic activity of in vitro cultures Gentiana kurroo (Royle) germlings. Acta Physiol Plant 29: 445-453.
  30. Mikuła A., Niedzielski M., Rybczyński J.J. 2006. The use of TTC reduction assay for assessment of Gentiana spp. cell suspension viability after cryopreservation. Acta Physiol Plant 28: 315-324.
  31. Mikula A. 2006. Comparison of three techniques for cryopreservation and re-establishment of long-term Gentiana tibetica suspension culture. CryoLetters 27: 268-282.
  32. Mikuła A., Rybczyński J.J. 2006. Preliminary studies on cryopreservation and strategies of Cyathea australis gametophyte development in vitro. Botanical Guidebooks 29: 133-142.
  33. Rybczynski J.J., Karolkowska M., Kaczmarek Z., Mikula A., Fiuk A. 2006. In vitro morphogenic events in culture of Lotus corniculatus Seedling root explants. Acta Soc Bot Pol 3: 191-200.
  34. Mikuła A., Tykarska T., Kuraś M., Rybczyński J.J. 2005 Somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana cruciata (L.): histological and ultrastructural changes in seedling hypocotyl explant. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol - Plant 41: 686-694.
  35. Mikuła A., Tykarska T., Kuraś M. 2005 Ultrastructure of Gentiana tibetica Proembryogenic cells before and after cooling treatments. CryoLetters 26: 367-378.
  36. Mikula A, Fiuk A, Rybczynski JJ 2005 Induction, maintenance and preservation of embryogenic competence of Gentiana cruciata L. cultures. Acta Biol Crac Ser Bot 47/1: 227-236.
  37. Mikuła A., Rybczyński J.J, Skierski J., Latkowska M.J., Fiuk A. 2005 Somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana genus IV: characterisation of Gentiana cruciata and Gentiana tibetica Embryogenic cell suspensions. Hvoslef-Eide AK, Preis W (eds) in Liquid culture systems for in vitro plant propagation. 345-358. springer
  38. Mikuła A., Tykarska T., Zielińska M., Kuraś M.Rybczyński J.J. 2004. Ultrastructural changes in zygotic embryos of Gentiana punctata (L.) during callus formation and somatic embryogenesis. Acta Biol Crac Ser Bot 46:1-12.
  39. Mikuła A., Skierski J., Rybczyński J.J. 2002. somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana genus. III. Characterization of tree-year-old embryogenic suspension of Gentiana pannonica (Scop) originated from various seedling explants. Acta Physiol Plant 24: 311-322.
  40. Mikuła A., Tykarska T., Rybczyński J., Kuraś M. 2002. Ultrastructural analysis of initial stages of dedifferentiation of root explants of Gentiana cruciata seedlings. Acta Soc Bot Pol: 71 (4): 287-297.
  41. Mikula A., Rybczynski J.J. 2001 Somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana genus I. The effect of the preculture treatment and primary explant origin on somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana cruciata (L.), G. pannonica (Scop.) and G. tibetica (King). Acta Physiol Plant 23: 15-25.
  42. Mikuła A, Rybczyński JJ, Tykarska T, Kuraś M 2001. somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana genus II. Scanning and ultrastructural analysis of early stages of somatic embryogenesis in liquid medium. Biological Bulletin of Poznań (now: Biological Letters) 38: 47-53.
  43. Mikuła A., Wesołowska M., Kapusta J., Skrzypczak L., Rybczyński J.J. 1996. Cytomorphological studies of somatic embryogenesis of Gentiana tibetica (King) and G. cruciata (L.). Acta Soc Bot Pol 65(1-2): 47-51.
  44. Kulus D, Abratowska A, Mikuła A 2018 Morphogenetic response of shoot tips to cryopreservation by encapsulation-dehydration in a solid mutant and periclinal chimeras of Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum /Ramat./ Kitam. Acta Physiol Plant 40:18 HERE.
  45. Grzyb M., Kalandyk A., Mikuła A. 2018 Effect of TIBA, fluridone and salicylic acid on somatic embryogenesis and endogenous hormone and sugar contents in Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Acta Physiol Plant 40:1 HERE.
  46. Mikuła a., Tomaszewicz W., Dziurka M., Kaźmierczak A. Grzyb M., Sobczak M., Zdańkowski P., Rybczyński J. 2021. The origin of the Cyathea delgadii Sternb. Somatic embryo is determined by developmental state of donar tissue and mutual balance of selected metabolites. Cells 10, 1388, 1-28. doi.org/10.3390/cells 100611388

Selected review articles

  1. Mikuła A., Makowski D., Tomiczak K., Rybczyński J.J. 2013. culture. in vitro and cryopreservation in the conservation of plant diversity - standards for a gene bank. Polish Journal of Agronomy. 14:3-17.
  2. Mikuła A., Makowski D., Rybczyński J.J. 2013. Ways of improvement of plant material survival in cryopreservation procedure. In: Pukacki P.M., Pukacka S. (eds) 18th Cold Hardiness Seminar in Poland. 23-29.
  3. Mikula A. 2010. Cryopreservation in securing (epi)genetic stability of plant material. Biotechnology 2(89): 23-37.
  4. Mikula A. 2008. Cryopreservation as a method of preserving the vital capacity of plant cells and tissues. Biotechnology 2(81): 41-57.
  5. Mikula A., Rybczynski J.J. 2006 Cryopreservation as a tool for long-term storage of cells, tissues and organs derived from in vitro cultures. Biotechnology 4(75): 145-163.
  6. Mikula A., Rybczynski J.J. 2003 Cryopreservation of cell suspensions of selected species of the genus Gentiana. Biotechnology 3(62): 39-51.
  7. Rybczynski J.J., Mikula A. 2000. Morphogenetic abilities of cells and their genetic determinants. Biotechnology 2(49): 41-53.
  8. Mikuła A., Rybczyński J.J. 1999 Current status of research in plant biotechnology of the genus Gentiana. Biotechnology 4(47): 1-16.
  9. Rybczyński JJ, Mikuła A 2006. Engangement of biotechnology in the protection of threatened plant species in Poland. Biodiv. Res. Conserv. 3-4: 361-368.
  10. Rybczyński J.J., Mikuła A., Fiuk A. 2004. Endangered species - model plants for experimental botany and biotechnology. Bulletin of Botanical Gardens. 13: 59-63.

Book editing

  1. Rybczynski J.J., Davey M., Mikula A. (eds). 2014. the Gentianaceae. Characterization and ecology. Volume 1. Springer Heidelberg New York Dordrecht London, pp 1-329.
  2. Rybczynski J.J., Davey M., Mikula A. (eds). 2015. the Gentianaceae. Biotechnology and Application. Vol. 2. Springer, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht, London pp 1-452.

Other forms of activity

a. didactics

  • Lectures and laboratory exercises for doctoral students of interdisciplinary doctoral studies entitled. "Program for improvement of SGGW didactics in the field of obtaining plant raw materials for energy in the context of the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy". POKL.04.03.00-00-042/12-00; SGGW, Faculty of Wood Technology, March 2014 - July 2015, Warsaw, Poland.
  • Annual supervision of summer internships of students and interns of SGGW and UW - Plant Biotechnology Laboratory of PAN OB-CZRB, Warsaw
  1. organizational activities
  • Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of the 14th National Conference of Cultures In Vitro and Plant Biotechnology "Structural, physiological and molecular basis of plant differentiation", 14-17 September 2015, Poznań
  • Chairwoman of the Organizing Committee of the 13th National Conference of Cultures. In Vitro and Plant Biotechnology "The plant cell as an object of genetic and physiological manipulation", 24-27 September 2012, Rogów
  • Secretary of the Scientific Council of the Polish Academy of Sciences CZRB Botanical Garden in Powsin (2015-2018)
  • Member of the Scientific Council of the Polish Academy of Sciences of the CZRB Botanical Garden in Powsin (2007-2014; 1999-2002)
  • Treasurer of the Polish Botanical Society (2010-2016).
  • Secretary General of the PTB (2004-2010).
  • Member of the Board of the Pteridology Section of the PTB (2010-2013)
  • Member of the Polish Botanical Society
  1. popularization activities
  • Lecture "Liquid nitrogen and cultures in vitro Road to Eternity" within the framework of the Garden Vischnica "Biotechnology in the Service of Plant Diversity Protection", Garden Festival of PAN Botanical Garden - CZRB in Powsin, May 21, 2015, Warsaw-Powsin