Ana Coste
Research Scientist II - Experimental Biology
Biography
Ex-situ conservation of rare, endemic and endangered plants under controlled conditions (in vitro culture, seed conservation). I am also interested in biotechnological production of bioactive compounds, cytogenetics and plant genetic diversity.
Publications
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article
Selection Of A Digitalis Purpurea Cell Line With Improved Bioconversion Capacity Of Hydroquinone Into Arbutin |
Pop Carmen Elena; Coste Ana; Vlase Ana-Maria; Deliu Constantin; Tamas Mircea; Casian Tibor; Vlase Laurian; Singh Arjun | Life-Basel, 2024 | |
AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the biotransformation capabilities of a hydroquinone-tolerant Digitalis purpurea cell line (DpHQ) for bioconverting hydroquinone (HQ) into arbutin, a compound with significant therapeutic and cosmetic applications. The research evaluated the influence of various HQ concentrations, feeding protocols, and carbon sources on arbutin bioconversion yield. By using HPLC-MS for the quantification of arbutin in biomass and medium, the study revealed that higher precursor (HQ) concentration led to a more pronounced growth inhibition under single dosing than sequential dosing. At lower sugar (3%) and precursor (4 mM HQ) levels, arbutin predominantly remained within the cells, whereas higher sugar (6%) and HQ (5-6 mM) levels promoted its release into the medium. Arbutin production ranged from 591 mg/L under single dosing to 3049 mg/L with sequential dosing, with the highest yield being achieved with 5 mM HQ in divided doses and 6% glucose. This study holds novelty for being the first to demonstrate the DpHQ's tolerance to high concentrations of HQ and its efficient capabilities to bioconvert HQ to arbutin, indicating that D. purpurea is equipped with the enzymes required for this process. These aspects highlight its potential as a biotechnological source for arbutin synthesis. |
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article
Structural Characterization Of Dna From Allium Leaves And E. Coli By Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (Sers) |
Tosa Nicoleta; Dina Nicoleta E.; Cozar Bogdan I.; Coste Ana; Halmagyi Adela; Parvu Marcel; Muntean Cristina M. | Analytical Letters, 2024 | |
AbstractThe label-free detection of biological molecules was demonstrated for different types of DNA. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) investigation on nucleic acids extracted from leaves of different Allium cepa cultivars (cvs.) De Buz & abreve;u, Aurie de Buz & abreve;u, Rubiniu, Ro & scedil;ie de Arie & scedil; as well as taxa A. ursinum, A. senescens subsp. montanum, A. schoenoprasum, A. obliquum, and A. fistulosum was performed using 532-nm laser excitation. Main SERS vibrations of these nucleic acids have been characterized, highlighting those at 658, 704, 1089, and 1125 cm-1 attributed to dG and dA phosphodiester groups as well as deoxyribose, specific constituents of DNA. The mild basic pH conditions of the samples can induce a partial breaking of the hydrogen bonds from the dsDNA, which affects the A = T/T = A as well as C equivalent to G/G equivalent to C base pairs and causes the aggregation of AgNPs mixed with DNA of the Allium cultivars and species. Also, SERS profiles of genomic DNA from E. coli 1559 were analyzed at decreasing pHs from 7 to 4. Protonation of the nitrogen N3 of the aromatic six-membered ring of both deoxyadenosine and deoxyguanosine, respectively, induces the decrease of the peak's intensity at 1588 cm-1. Furthermore, SERS characteristics of plasmidic DNA from E. coli 7832 and of chromosomal DNA from E. coli MG 1655 are provided, with specific SERS modes indicated and new SERS bands found upon nucleic acids in vitro aging. Principal component analysis (PCA) in the full SERS spectrum range of bacterial DNA was performed. |
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article
Biotechnologies And Strategies For Grapevine Improvement |
Butiuc-Keul A.; Coste A. | Horticulturae, 2023 | |
AbstractGrapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera) is one of the most widespread and economically important perennial fruit crops in the world. Viticulture has changed over the years in response to changing environmental conditions and market demands, triggering the development of new and improved varieties to ensure the crop’s sustainability. The aim of this review is to provide a perspective on the recent developments in biotechnology and molecular biology and to establish the potential of these technologies for the genetic improvement of grapevine. The following aspects are discussed: (i) the importance of molecular marker-based methods for proper cultivar identification and how NGS-based high-throughput technologies have greatly benefited the development of genotyping techniques, trait mapping, and genomic selection; (ii) the recent advances in grapevine regeneration, genetic transformation, and genome editing, such as new breeding technology approaches for enhanced grapevine yield, quality improvement, and the selection of valuable varieties and cultivars. The specific problems and challenges linked to grapevine biotechnology, along with the importance of integrating classical and new technologies, are highlighted. © 2023 by the authors. |
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article
Evaluation Of Cross-Genus Transferability Of Ssr Markers From Other Legumes To Two Closely Related Onobrychis (Fabaceae) Taxa |
Băcilă I.; Şuteu D.; Coste A.; Balázs Z.R.; Coldea G. | Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 2023 | |
AbstractMicrosatellite markers previously developed for other leguminous species were tested for cross-genus transferability and evaluated for their potential usefulness in providing an improved assessment of the genetic relationships between two closely related taxa belonging to Onobrychis genus (Fabaceae). Candidate microsatellite markers were tested for polymorphism and replicability in sixteen populations of O. montana DC. subsp. transsilvanica (Simonk.) Jáv. and O. montana. Out of the 23 SSRs, there were identified seven polymorphic loci. In total 32 alleles were detected and the number of alleles per locus varied from two to six. PIC values ranged from 0.375 to 0.6454, and four SSRs displayed a PIC > 0.5. Relative uniform rates of genetic diversity were obtained. In case of O. montana DC. subsp. transsilvanica (Simonk.) Jáv. the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.100 to 0.952 and from 0.219 to 0.525, respectively, while for O. montana ranged from 0.166 to 0.750 and from 0.083 to 0.375, respectively. Seven polymorphic SSRs with clear and reproducible amplification were identified. These markers proved to be very efficient for unambiguous population discrimination based on both geographic and taxonomic criteria. Hereafter, these SSR markers can be used as tools for evolutionary studies in Onobrychis genus, as well in providing knowledge on patterns of the species phylogeography. © Articles by the authors. |
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article
High Frequency Direct Organogenesis In Five Romanian Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) Cultivars |
Halmagyi Adela; Coste Ana; Deliu Constantin; Bacila Ioan | Horticulturae, 2023 | |
AbstractTomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) as the most economically important vegetable crop worldwide has been investigated intensively for the development of new and improved varieties. Most of these technologies require efficient protocols for in vitro regeneration and propagation of plant material. In the present study, an efficient and reproducible in vitro regeneration system for five Romanian tomato genotypes (cvs. 'Capriciu', 'Darsirius', 'Kristin', 'Pontica' and 'Siriana') has been established. The tomato genotypes were selected based on their horticultural and economically valuable traits. To study the in vitro morphogenic response, various explants, such as cotyledons, cotyledonary nodes, hypocotyls, leaf explants, internodes, stem nodes and apical buds have been selected. The highest efficiency in terms of direct shoot organogenesis was obtained in cv. 'Capriciu' (98% for apical buds and 94% for stem nodes) on culture media with zeatin and indole-3-butyric acid. One advantage of this regeneration procedure is beside its feasibility in handling, the high percentage of regenerated shoots and their rooting. The present protocol contributes to the existing information regarding the response of tomato cultivars to in vitro culture conditions. |
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article
Impact Of Arieş River Contaminants On Algae And Plants |
Halmagyi A.; Butiuc-Keul A.; Keul M.; Dobrotă C.; Fodorpataki L.; Pintea A.; Mocan A.; Pop V.; Coste A. | Toxics, 2023 | |
AbstractThe Arieş River (Western Romania) represents one of the most important affluents of the Mureş River, with great significance in the Mureş Tisza basin. The environmental quality of the Arieş basin is significantly affected by both historic mining activities and contemporary impacts. Thus, an evaluation of the effects of the main contaminants found in water (organochlorine pesticides—OCPs, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—MAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—PAHs, and metals) on cyanobacteria and plants was performed. Among OCPs, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and derivatives were detected in plants while admissible concentrations were detected in water. Among MAHs, high levels of benzene were detected both in water and in plants. The levels of PAHs exceeded the allowable values in all samples. Increased concentrations of metals in water were found only at Baia de Arieş, but in plants, all metal concentrations were high. The pH, nitrates, nitrites, and phosphates, as well as metals, pesticides, and aromatic hydrocarbons, influenced the physiological characteristics of algae, test plants, and aquatic plants exposed to various compounds dissolved in water. Considering that the Arieş River basin is the site of intense past mining activities, these data provide information about the impact on water quality as a consequence of pollution events. © 2023 by the authors. |
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article
New Insights Regarding The Taxonomy And Phylogeography Of Onobrychis Montana Dc. Subsp. Transsilvanica (Fabaceae) |
Băcilă I.; Şuteu D.; Coste A.; Balázs Z.R.; Coldea G. | Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 2023 | |
AbstractOnobrychis montana DC. Subsp. transsilvanica (Simonk.) Jáv. (Fabaceae) is a plant taxon, endemic to the South-Eastern Carpathians, whose taxonomic status is treated inconsistently by the classic taxonomy based on morphological traits. In a previous study, by sequencing several chloroplast DNA regions and AFLP genotyping, we tried to elucidate the controversy concerning its taxonomic status in relation to the more widespread O. montana DC., and determined its phylogeographic structure within the Carpathians. The present study, based on DNA fingerprinting by seven SSR markers, brings more insights on this problematic taxon by conferring higher resolution and sub-clustering previously identified phylogeographic groups. However, the newly SSR genetic data are in agreement with molecular evidence revealed by AFLP and chloroplastic SNPs and do not support O. montana DC. Subsp. transsilvanica (Simonk.) Jáv. As a distinct species from O. montana DC. © 2023, Horticulture and Forestry Society from Transylvania. All rights reserved. |
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article
Analysis Of Hypericum Accessions By Dna Fingerprinting And Flow Cytometry |
Butiuc-Keul A.; Coste A.; Budahn H.; Dunemann F.; Farkas A.; Postolache D.; Klocke E. | Acta Botanica Croatica, 2022 | |
AbstractHypericum perforatum, H. umbellatum, H. maculatum, and H. hircinum accessions originating from botanical gardens across Europe were examined by flow cytometry and molecular markers. 2C DNA content of 17 Hypericum perforatum accessions (Hp) and the H. perforatum cultivar Topaz amounted to between 1.56 pg and 1.62 pg. In four Hp accessions some individual plants were found with a DNA content corresponding to 6Cx (2.34 - 2.39 pg). All plants of accession Hp8 showed a DNA content of 6Cx (2.41 pg). In root tips of Hp plants with an average DNA amount of 1.58 pg, 32 chromosomes were detected, corresponding to 2n = 4x. This is the first ploidy and/or DNA content report for H. umbellatum, H. maculatum and H. hircinum. H. umbellatum and H. maculatum, each contained 0.76 pg DNA and 16 chromosomes were counted. The 2C DNA content of H. hircinum was 1.00 pg with the best metaphase plate revealing 32 chromosomes. Additionally, a combined marker analysis, based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), was conducted to gain a better understanding of diversity especially within the accessions of H. perforatum. A total of 27 (11 ISSR and 16 SRAP) primer combinations were screened, showing 699 bands, of which 661 were polymorphic. UPGMA clustering revealed that accessions from the same geographic area tended to be more closely related, while H. maculatum was grouped separately from all H. perforatum accessions. Both methods have shown similar sensitivities in detecting the genetic diversity of the analyzed genotypes. Our results may be useful for Hypericum breeding programs and the development of effective conservation strategies. © 2022 Sciendo. All rights reserved. |
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article
Cryo-Technologies For Ex Situ Conservation Of Rosa Germplasm |
Halmagyi Adela; Valimareanu Sergiu; Sovarel Gabriela; Coste Ana | Plants-Basel, 2022 | |
AbstractIn this study, we compare two rapid cryopreservation (-196 degrees C) procedures, droplet-vitrification and encapsulation-dehydration for rose (Rosa x hybrida L., cultivars 'loana', 'Mariana', 'Vulcan'). Significant factors for cryopreservation, such as sucrose concentration during osmoprotection, treatment duration with plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2) in droplet-vitrification, duration of air desiccation and moisture content of alginate beads in encapsulation-dehydration, were investigated. In addition, the morphogenetic response to in vitro culture and to liquid nitrogen storage and the content in photosynthetic pigments have been assessed. The in vitro cultures were initiated from plant material originating from field collection. The highest regeneration frequencies were obtained for cv. 'Vulcan' in both of the cryopreservation procedures tested, 72% in droplet-vitrification and 65% following encapsulation-dehydration. The morphogenetic response (multiplication index and height of shoots) to liquid nitrogen storage was direct multiple shoot formation per initial shoot tip for all genotypes. The content in chlorophyll a and b was statistically comparable in plant material resulting from cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved shoot tips in all cultivars. The findings expand the information on Rosa's response to in vitro culture conditions and cryopreservation, providing protocols with a high regeneration capacity for the storage of genotypes with high ornamental value. |
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article
Ex Situ Conservation Of Plant Diversity In Romania: A Synthesis Of Threatened And Endemic Taxa |
Hurdu Bogdan-Iuliu; Coste Ana; Halmagyi Adela; Szatmari Paul-Marian; Farkas Anca; Puscas Mihai; Turtureanu Pavel Dan; Rosca-Casian Oana; Tanaseh Catalin; Oprea Adrian; Mardari Constantin; Radubtoiu Daniel; Camen-Comanescu Petronela; Sirbu Ioana-Minodora; Stoie Andrei; Lupoae Paul; Cristea Victoria; Jarda Liliana; Holobiuc Irina; Goia Irina; Catana Corina; Butiuc-Keul Anca | Journal For Nature Conservation, 2022 | |
AbstractRomania hosts a relatively high species diversity, including 3,829 vascular and 979 non-vascular spontaneous plant taxa. Multiple national red lists exist, with the number of taxa assessed as threatened varying greatly between them, from 548 to 1,438, and with number of taxa assigned to a given threat category also varying between the different sources. A composite list including all taxa mentioned in at least one of the selected red listings from Romania is required in order to compensate for this lack of consensus and to assess their ex situ conservation status. In this study, we synthesized data from the national red lists and counted 1,220 spontaneous vascular plant species and 201 subspecies, of which 77 are endemic and 76 subendemic for Romania. In addition, 18 non-red-listed endemics and 14 subendemics have been added, bringing the total to 1,453 threatened and (sub)endemic plant taxa, representing almost 38% of the total native vascular flora of Romania. Despite the large network of protected areas in Romania, many taxa are still being threatened with extinction in the region mainly due to anthropogenic pressure. Several ex situ conservation measures have been employed to assure a more substantial buffer against plant extinction in the wild, supported by thorough and adequate conservation strategies and multiple means to reintroduce taxa back to their natural habitats. Consequently, our second aim was to evaluate the ex situ conservation status of these threatened and (sub)endemic plants from Romania, focussing on both conventional methods (cultivation in botanic gardens, seed banking) and biotechnological approaches (in vitro tissue culture, medium-term storage and cryostorage). Of the 1,453 taxa included in our list, 642 (44.2%) are conserved by ex situ approaches. Of these, 524 are harboured in the most important botanic gardens throughout Romania, while 156 are currently held in long-term seed banks locally or in the Millennium Seed Bank of the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew (UK). Conversely, only 64 taxa from the list are preserved at the national level through in vitro cultures, and cryopreservation protocols have been developed for only 8 taxa. Overall, more than half of the threatened and (sub)endemic vascular flora from Romania remains unprotected outside the classical in situ conservation measures. For red-listed bryophytes, only 0.6% are preserved in national ex situ collections. Moreover, some aspects related to population genetic studies and the genetic stability of ex situ conserved plants are also briefly discussed, as essential prerequisites for applied biodiversity conservation programs. Finally, considering the distribution range of targeted taxa, we included a synthesis of biotechnological approaches at both national and international level. Our study presents not only a first assessment of the ex situ conservation status of national red listed flora, but also, to our knowledge, the most comprehensive and updated overview of the rare, threatened and (sub)endemic taxa from Romania. This evaluation will provide a supporting tool for national decision-and policy-making actions for biodiversity conservation, using both in situ and ex situ approaches. We also highlight the need for an updated red list for the Romanian flora that accurately follows the IUCN assessment criteria and protocols. |
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