Dr. Aparna Jayachandran

What is your current research focused on?

My research is centred on unravelling the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) in driving metastasis and therapy resistance in high-risk breast cancers, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). At the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, I lead a multidisciplinary team investigating how EMP programs remodel the tumour microenvironment, influence immune evasion, and enable cancer cells to acquire stem-like features that promote survival under stress. We are also exploring the PAPP-A protein as a novel EMP-associated biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC. By integrating advanced spatial biology with nanobiotechnology, our goal is to visualise and decode EMP- and immune-driven tumour–immune interactions within their native tissue context, ultimately paving the way for more precise and durable treatment strategies for aggressive breast cancers.

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What is your study background and when did you decide you wanted to be a research scientist?

I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biotechnology at Bangalore University in India, followed by a PhD in Molecular Biology and Medicine of the Lung through the Trans-Atlantic Program at Justus Liebig University in Germany and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. My doctoral research on EMP in organ fibrosis sparked my fascination with how cells can change state and function. Watching these transitions unfold under the microscope, seeing cells reshape and adapt, was truly captivating. Driven by this curiosity, during my postdoctoral training at the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, Melbourne, I developed an embryonic chick model to study how EMP shapes both development and cancer progression. It was during this time that I realised research allows me to combine creativity, curiosity, and purpose, uncovering the biology behind disease and translating it into potential impact for patients.

 

What attracted you to cancer research?

During my early postdoc in melanoma, I witnessed immunotherapy work like a magic bullet, giving patients real hope. That moment was transformative for me. I knew I wanted to bring such treatments to cancers that are difficult to treat, like liver cancer and rare cancers including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, during my time as Head of the Liver Cancer Unit at Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, QLD. Today, I am applying innovative approaches to high-risk breast cancers, striving to translate these breakthroughs into real impact for patients.

 

Why do you think research on metastases is important?

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, yet it remains the least understood aspect of the disease. While we have made progress in treating primary tumours, treatment options become limited once cancer spreads. My research focuses on the “engine” of metastasis: EMP which drives cancer cells to migrate, survive in distant organs, and resist therapy. I believe that by understanding and targeting these mechanisms, we can develop strategies to intercept metastasis early and ultimately save lives.

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What do you find exciting about your research work?

What excites me most is uncovering how cellular programs like EMP awaken and adapt across development, disease, and cancer. Watching these transitions unfold is like witnessing biology in motion, revealing fundamental principles that span multiple contexts. Even more inspiring is translating these insights with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians into real-world solutions that can directly benefit patients and communities.

 

What do you hope to achieve in your research career?

My long-term goal is to advance our understanding of tumour plasticity and translate that knowledge into tangible therapeutic strategies for patients with aggressive breast cancers. I aim to build collaborative research programs that bridge disciplines integrating biology, technology, and clinical insight to accelerate discovery and develop more precise, personalised, and durable treatments that improve survival and quality of life. Beyond this, I aspire to mentor the next generation of scientists and strengthen connections between the laboratory, clinicians, and the community, ensuring that discoveries are translated into real-world solutions for patients.

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Any additional comments?

Cancer research is a collective journey. It thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and curiosity. I am thrilled to be a member of OzMRS, working with passionate colleagues and early career researchers to push boundaries and translate discoveries into real-world impact for patients.

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