Fig. 8. DM-EBS keratinocytes recover from stretch by resorption of keratin rings and rebuilding of the keratin network. DM-EBS keratinocytes were stretched for 120 minutes followed by continued incubation at 37°C. Cells were fixed at various time points. Cells quickly begin to recover from stretch-induced malformations of the keratin network by formation of thickened bands of keratin close to the cell edge (arrows) (A,B and G). By 30 minutes after cessation of stretch, the majority of rings and aggregates have gone and the keratin network is being reformed (C). This is completed by 1 hour (D), and a degree of remodelling continues with time (E,F). We examined the keratin band, which often forms during early recovery (G, arrow), and found that keratin rings are resorbed in this zone (H). Cells were stained with monoclonal antibody LL001 against keratin 14 (A-G) and polyclonal antibody BL18 against keratin 5 and monoclonal antibody 11-5F against desmoplakin (red) (H). Images G and H were obtained from 3D maximum-intensity volumetric projections using deconvolution microscopy. Bars, 5 µm.