Changes of DNA ligase in developing rat brain.

DNA ligase was isolated from rat brain and characterized. In developing rat brain the DNA ligase activities of the cerebellum increased after birth, at least 5 fold more than those of non-cerebellar parts. The DNA ligase activity in the cerebellum reached a maximum about 6 days after birth and then decreased towards maturation. The DNA ligase from the cerebellum can be fractionated into three molecular forms. Aging of the extracts leads to the conversion of the high molecular weight form into smaller weight forms.