RESEARCH INTERESTS The transcription of a gene depends not only on the DNA sequence and availability of sequence-specific regulatory factors (transcription factors) but also on the presentation of genes within the complex architecture of the chromosome. Epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation and histone modifications) are known to regulate gene expression by bringing changes in the chromatin state. For instance, methylation at position 5 of cytosines is a major epigenetic modification of genomic DNA, which is frequently associated with silencing gene expression. Similarly, histone modifications such as the methylation/acetylation at specific amino acids has the code for gene expression or silencing. Thus, epigenetic modifications have an essential role in regulating genes, dictating when and where they should be expressed or silenced. Our research is directed to identify specific epigenomic changes that contribute to gene expression/silencing during stress. We are using use genome-wide analysis of cytosine methylation and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to identify such epigenetic changes. This knowledge will provide basis for transcriptional gene regulation that is critical for plant survival under stressful conditions.