What happens to cells that do not adhere to the other cells around them?

The phenomenon regarding cells that do not adhere to their neighboring cells is critical in understanding tissue dynamics and responses to various stimuli. When cells do not have the ability to adhere properly, they are often subjected to environmental stresses that can lead to cell death, a process known as anoikis. This type of programmed cell death occurs when cells lose their anchorage, which is essential for their survival and function within a tissue context.

Additionally, the lack of adherence can also result in the transformation of these cells into a cancerous state. Cells that are able to evade normal anoikis may continue to proliferate despite detachment from their original tissue architecture, a hallmark of cancerous behavior. This evasion of programmed cell death allows them to survive and possibly form tumors in inappropriate locations.

Therefore, cells that do not adhere may either die due to the loss of anchorage or have the potential to transition into a cancerous phenotype if they manage to survive independently. Thus, for a comprehensive understanding of cell behavior in tissue engineering and pathology, recognizing that both cell death and cancerous transformation can occur under these circumstances is crucial.