Abstract: Indole glucosinolates derived from tryptophan is one of the important metabolites in most species of the Brassicaceae. To date, the biosynthesis and modification of indole glucosinolates has been elucidated. Various transcriptors are directly or indirectly involved in the metabolism of indole glucosinolates, which is also mediated by environmental factors and some plant hormones such as jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and ethylene. The breakdown of indole glucosinolates can be carried out by glucosinolate\|myrosinase system upon tissue damage or in some unknown pathways, and through a typical myrosinase pathway in live cell. Here we reviewed current status of studies on the metabolism, regulation and breakdown of indole glucosinolates. The cross\|talks between indole glucosinolate and other metabolic pathways such as camalexin biosynthesis and sulfur assimilation were also discussed．

Key words: indole glucosinolate, metabolism pathway, plant hormones, defense, regulation, myrosinase, phytoalexin