Fig. 4.

Evaluation of excystation in siRNA-transfected Acanthamoeba. After siRNA transfection targeting ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650, encystation was induced for 48 h. Excystation of Acanthamoeba cysts was observed on non-nutrient agar plates coated with E. coli (A), and the excystation ratio of Acanthamoeba following siRNA treatment was quantified (B). Red arrow, empty cyst. Scale bar=10 μm. Data are expressed as the mean±SD (n=3). **P<0.05, ***P<0.001, and ****P<0.0001.