MreCD are required for correct cell shape, biofilm architecture and interspecies competition in Streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a primary cause of tooth decay in children and adults. The cellular machinery that controls the maintenance of this microorganisms shape and ability to divide is essential for causing disease and could also be targeted in new therapeutics. Here we characterize how loss of genes that are otherwise essential for cell elongation in other bacteria impacts the physiology of S. mutans.