Genetic analyses in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus islandicus.

Sulfolobus belongs to the hyperthermophilic archaea and it serves as a model organism to study archaeal molecular biology and evolution. In the last few years, we have focused on developing genetic systems for Sulfolobus islandicus using pyrEF as a selection marker and versatile genetic tools have been developed, including methods for constructing gene knockouts and for identifying essential genes. These genetic tools enable us to conduct genetic analysis on the functions of the genes involved in DNA replication and repair processes in S. islandicus and they should also facilitate in vivo analysis of functions of other genes in this model organism.