中文摘要：

Parasporins(PSs) represent a novel functional category of crystal proteins(Cry) produced by non-insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis. A distinct feature for PSs is their specific cytotoxicity against human cancer cells from diverse origins, other than hemolytic or insecticidal activity. As structurally/functionally Cry proteins, parasporins are expressed as protoxins that require protease cleavage for activation. Currently,identified PSs is classified into 6 groups: PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6, which are heterogeneous in cytotoxic spectrum and activity level. Some PSs have been explored for their mode of anticancer activities, reports mainly include pore formation induced by binding to putative receptors on cell membrane and apoptosis by intracellular Ca2+concentration. Further work should focus on the identification of new PS or PS homologs and better understanding of their anticancer mechanism before possible application in cancer therapy.

英文摘要：

Parasporins（PSs） represent a novel functional category of crystal proteins （Cry） produced by non-insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis. A distinct feature for PSs is their specific cytotoxicity against human cancer cells from diverse origins, other than hemolytic or insecticidal activity. As structurally/functionally Cry proteins, parasporins are expressed as protoxins that require protease cleavage for activation. Currently, identified PSs is classified into 6 groups： PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6, which are heterogeneous in cytotoxic spectrum and activity level. Some PSs have been explored for their mode of anticancer activities, reports mainly include pore formation induced by binding to putative receptors on cell membrane and apoptosis by intracellular Ca2＋ concentration. Further work should focus on the identification of new PS or PS homologs and better understanding of their anticancer mechanism before possible application in cancer therapy.