apoptotic process anoikis An adherent cell-restricted lethal cascade that is ignited by detachment from the matrix and that is characterized by (i) lack of beta1-integrin engagement, (ii) downregulation of EGFR expression, (iii) inhibition of extracellular-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) signaling, and (iv) overexpression of the BCL-2 family member BIM. It should be noted that in most, if not all, instances, the cell death program ignited by anoikis is executed by the molecular machinery for intrinsic apoptosis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252826/ Apoptosis triggered by inadequate or inappropriate adherence to substrate e.g. after disruption of the interactions between normal epithelial cells and the extracellular matrix. Wikipedia:Anoikis