The division of normal cells is restricted. Cells will stop dividing when they are in contact with neighboring cells. The cell:cell contacts send signals into the dividing cells that cause them to stop dividing. An alternative mechanism to stop cell division is differentiation. This is the process by which a precursor cell acquires its final functional capabilities. An example of this would be the maturation of an epithelial cell in the lining of the colon from a precursor stem cell to a fully mature colon epithelial cell. The maturation process involves the coordinated regulation of gene expression that results in differential morphological and biological properties for the cells. Often, the differentiation process results in cells that have very limited potential for cell division.
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