Integrins, as cell-adhesion receptors, are usually associated with promoting cell survival, by
encouraging cells to attach to appropriate substrata. Indeed, anoikis—death due to cell
detachment from the substrate—is thought to exist to prevent anchorage-independent cell
growth, a hallmark of tumour cells. However, an integrin antagonist can induce endothelial
cell death in otherwise adherent cells, thereby blocking angiogenesis; whereas
development can occur normally in integrin-knockout mice. Now, Cheresh and colleagues …

Discusses research which described how fully adherent cells undergo apoptosis when their
integrins exist in an unligated state. Reference to a study published in the" Journal of Cell
Biology"; Correlation between cell death and unligated cells; Chimaeras comprising the
extracellular domain of the interleukin receptor CD25.