Steroidal glycoalkaloids （SGAs） are cholesterol derivatives that effectively protect plants from pathogens and pests. They are mainly found in Solanum plants and are synthesized in actively growing and young tissues. Their biosynthesis occurs at three processes， including cholesterol biosynthesis， conversion of cholesterol to steroidal alkaloids， and glycosylation of these alkaloids. The biosynthesis of SGAs in Solanum plants is influenced by genetics （transcription factors） and light signaling. Currently， research on the tissues distribution， types， synthesis， and genetics of SGAs is a major focus of scholars worldwide. This article integrates recent research advancements， summarizing the key genes controlling SGAs biosynthesis in Solanum plants （HMGR， SQS， SSR2， SGT2， GAME1， GAME2， GAME4， GAME6， GAME7， GAME8， GAME11， GAME12， GAME15， GAME17 and GAME18）， the main differential genes between wild and cultivated species （GAME5， GAME25， S5αR2， GAME31 and GAME32）， the hormone-related transcription factors （GAME9， COI1 and TCP14） involved the SGAs biosynthesis， and the light-responsive transcription factors （HY5， PIF3 and MYB113） and photosynthetic pigment enzymes （PDS， CHLI and CHLH） on the influence of SGAs biosynthesis， and ultimately proposes future directions for SGAs research in Solanum plants.