Histone H3 phosphorylation - A versatile chromatin modification for different occasions

► Histone H3 phosphorylation is linked to transcriptional activation and repression. ► Mitotic H3 phosphorylation can contribute to chromatin condensation. ► In Drosophila phosphorylation of H3 counteracts heterochromatin spreading. ► Interphase H3 phosphorylation is established in response to extracellular signaling. ► H3 phosphorylation during interphase can transiently override repressive marks.