Histone Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of histones commonly occurs during chromosome condensation in mitosis, in cells undergoing apoptosis and in response to DNA damage. However, certain histone sites are phosphorylated in response to very early gene induction signaling, indicating that, depending on site and cellular context, histone phosphorylation may either promote opening or closing of chromatin structure. Kinases with histone substrates include JAK2 tyrosine kinase and AMPK serine/threonine kinase.