Retriever vectors are another class of plasmid vectors, which are used to retrieve specific genes from the normal chromosome of an organism like yeast through recombination. They will multiply both in E. coli and yeast.

In such a vector the gene in question is removed by enzymes to produce gapped vector having flanking sequences. Through recombination, they acquire lost sequences from the host. Retriever vectors are very useful for isolation of genes from yeast for further molecular studies including sequencing.