Platelets and tvessels (IMAGE) Uppsala University Caption The image shows platelets (red) in close contact with tumour vessels (green). Platelets are activated in the tumour microenvironment and secrete a large number of growth factors. Conditional knockout of PDGFB in platelets demonstrates its previously unknown role in pericyte recruitment, maintenance of tumour vascular integrity and host protection against metastasis. Credit Yanyu Zhang Usage Restrictions To accompany coverage of Yanyu Zhang's research. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.