System and method for introduction and stabilization of genes in Thermus sp.

In a Thermus strain comprising one of an inactivated and deleted characteristic gene defining a detectable host characteristic, a method for producing biotechnology products comprising the steps of:

• transforming said Thermus strain with a plasmid or integration vector comprising an intact said characteristic gene, said plasmid or integration vector comprising at least one strong Thermus promoter and at least one convenient multiple cloning site, whereby expression of any gene of interest is enabled;
• cloning a gene of interest into said at least one multiple cloning site;
• and
• expressing said gene of interest in said Thermus strain using said strong Thermus promoter.

An integrative vector comprising:

• a plasmid comprising one of a functional mdh gene, a phyD gen and a β-galactosidase gene downstream of a Thermus promoter;
• at least one E. coli replication gene and no genes enabling replication in Thermus;
• a second Thermus promoter;
• a multiple cloning site disposed downstream of said second Thermus promoter;
• and
• a gene of interest cloned into said multiple cloning site, said gene of interest being expressed by said second Thermus promoter located immediately upstream.