Anoikis is a programmed cell death occurring upon cell detachment from the 
correct extracellular matrix, thus disrupting integrin ligation. It is a 
critical mechanism in preventing dysplastic cell growth or attachment to an 
inappropriate matrix. Anoikis prevents detached epithelial cells from colonizing 
elsewhere and is thus essential for tissue homeostasis and development. As 
anchorage-independent growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, two features 
associated with anoikis resistance, are crucial steps during tumour progression 
and metastatic spreading of cancer cells, anoikis deregulation has now evoked 
particular attention from the scientific community. The aim of this review is to 
analyse the molecular mechanisms governing both anoikis and anoikis resistance, 
focusing on their regulation in physiological processes, as well as in several 
diseases, including metastatic cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.