NFYC and cyst: In order to determine the sequence and appearance of transcription factors during encystation, we next performed EMSA using cyst nuclear extracts from parasites silenced for NF-YC or silenced for ERM-BP and wild-type control cells using radiolabeled NF-Y motif (CCAAT) and the encystation regulatory motif binding protein (CAACAAA motif) (12).