Article Title: The Need for Greater Awareness of Sex Chromosome Variations
Author: Erin Torres, MSN, PMHNP-BC, RN-BC
Date of Publication: September 2021
From the article’s abstract: “Health care providers remain ill prepared to recognize these conditions and support patients and their families.”
Article Title: What microRNAs could tell us about the human X chromosome
Authors: Di Palo, Siniscalchi, Salerno, Russo, Gravholt and Potenza
Date of Publication: April 30, 2020
“MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small-non coding RNAs endowed with great regulatory power, thus playing key roles not only in almost all physiological pathways, but also in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Surprisingly, genomic distribution analysis revealed the highest density of miRNA sequences on the X chromosome; this evolutionary conserved mammalian feature equips females with a larger miRNA machinery than males. However, miRNAs contribution to some X-related conditions, properties or functions is still poorly explored. With the aim to support and focus research in the field, this review analyzes the literature and databases about X-linked miRNAs, trying to understand how miRNAs could contribute to emerging gender-biased functions and pathological mechanisms, such as immunity and cancer. A fine map of miRNA sequences on the X chromosome is reported, and their known functions are discussed; in addition, bioinformatics functional analyses of the whole X-linked miRNA targetome (predicted and validated) were performed. The emerging scenario points to different gaps in the knowledge that should be filled with future experimental investigations, also in terms of possible implications and pathological perspectives for X chromosome aneuploidy syndromes, such as Turner and Klinefelter syndromes.”
In 2015, the AXYS Board of Directors voted to approve the development of the AXYS Clinical and Research Consortium (ACRC). The two goals that AXYS defined at that time were to improve the availability and the quality of services to the X&Y variation community. As the ACRC grew, the original goals were refined to be as follows:
Though each clinic operates independently, as members of a consortium, they collaborate with one another, share informational resources, and have the opportunity to participate in joint research projects.
In addition, AXYS organizes annual meetings of the consortium at which members meet to discuss topics important to the X&Y chromosome variation community. AXYS works to ensure that all families impacted by any of the chromosome variations have access to the best available evaluation and treatment or treatment recommendations.
Timeline of the ACRC
(Click on the year to see the accomplishments for that year.)
AXYS brought on Robby Miller as an experienced consultant to assist AXYS in creating the ACRC.
First meeting of ACRC 2015
The formation committee, Dr. Tartaglia and Susan Howell of the eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic in Colorado, Jim Moore the AXYS Executive Director and Robby met. The consortium was formed.
First ACRC meeting held in Denver.
AXYS Clinical Needs and Desires survey, supported by AXYS, Emory University and PCORI began.
AXYS Clinical Needs and Desires survey concluded. Results presented to ACRC by lead investigator Dr. Sharron Close.
Launched with 8 founding clinics: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Los Angles, New York, Stanford, Wilmington
ACRC meets in Denver
Discussed need for Adult clinics
Added clinic in Wake-Forest
ACRC meets in Chicago
Began Consensus Documents
Added clinic in Philadelphia
ACRC meets in Atlanta
Conducted study to pilot a process to form clinics for adults, funded by the WITH Foundation Grant. Study led by Sharron Close at Emory University and Susan Howell at Colorado Children’s Hospital.
AXYS awarded grant from the Kosloski Family Foundation to create CME course on Klinefelter Syndrome in Adults
Added clinics in Boston and Cleveland
Photo of 2019 ACRC meeting
First virtual ACRC meeting
Held quarterly ACRC meetings with dedicated discussions on telehealth, Families of Color and Adult clinics.
Added clinic in New York, second clinic in Philadelphia for adults
Added first international clinics in Vancouver, Canada and Århus, Denmark.
Expanded ACRC to include clinical researchers:
Published first Consensus Documents
Added international clinic in London, UK.
Article Title: The Expert in the Room: Parental Advocacy for Children with Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies
Authors: Richardson, Riggan, and Allyse
Date of Publication: November 2, 2020
“Owing to fragmentation in the medical system, many parents of children with disabilities report taking on a care coordinator and advocate role. The parental advocacy and care coordination requirements are further amplified in this population because of a lack of awareness about sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) in medical and social services settings, as well as the complex needs of affected children. This burden disproportionately affects mothers and low-resource families as a result of gendered ideas of parenthood and social stratification in resource access. The aim of this study is to understand the unique parental burdens of SCAs and family support needs.”
Until now, AXYS has not explicitly stated our stance on the Black Lives Matter movement. AXYS acknowledges the disparity in diagnosis, treatment, and support of people of color. Instead of just a display of solidarity, we wanted to share with you our goals and future actions to work towards equity for people of color within the AXYS community.
Recently, AXYS held our first Families of Color call. The fundamental message, as said by Dalene Basden, is that people and families of color need AXYS to say “we are listening, and we are here to support you.”
After thought and discussion, and with direct input from the participants on the Families of Color call, AXYS has the following goals:
To achieve these goals, we will be taking the following steps:
As individuals, as a community, and as a country, there is so much work that needs to be done to bridge the gap between the ideals of our society, and the realities for people of color. Another statement during the phone call that resonated with me was: “I have the power to make things happen.” I know I can count on the AXYS community to not only know that we can do better, but to take action.
-Erin Frith, AXYS Chair
AXYS is thrilled to announce that Justin Dausch has joined our board. Justin served as a volunteer for AXYS in the area of finance in 2019. An attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Justin can be called upon to guide AXYS on legal matters. His main role on the board will use his expertise on finance and compliance. “I looking forward to utilizing my professional experience to give back to the community,” said Justin.
Article Title: Learning about thing larger than you
Author: Pam Auchmutey (Emory University, Nursing Magazine)
Date of Publication: Fall 2019
“As a School of Nursing doctoral student, Amy Blumling provides much-needed care to a special patient population at Emory Healthcare. Twice monthly, she and other providers see patients at the eXtraordinarY Clinic, the Southeast’s only clinic for children with sex chromosome disorders.”
We would like to congratulate the eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic of Children’s Hospital Colorado on the release of their 1st research newsletter and are proud to share it with you:
Due to speech and language delays my son started in special education preschool. When my son entered kindergarten, his teacher saw similarities between Kent and another boy who was diagnosed with XXXXY. We took her advice and got genetic testing for our son.
We learned back in 1994 that our son did not just have one extra X as we suspected but has an extra X and an extra Y; he has XXYY.
Our doctors suggested we not read the older literature that painted a horrid picture for our son but instead told us to contact KS&A and join the support group. As it turned out, Melissa Alystock lived less than a mile from us. Our kids attended the same schools.
Melissa Alystock started holding conferences to gather people with X and Y variations together. She sought and received grants from pharmaceutical companies to support these events. In addition, she gained the professional support and services of health care professionals who met with families at these events. It was life changing for many to meet with a doctor, genetic counselor or other professional that was knowledgeable about X and Y conditions.
Melissa and her husband needed help managing this fast growing organization so she asked me to join the board and then I served as a moderator for the listserv. I saw the challenges trying to meet the needs of grown men with X and Y variations as well as simultaneously meeting the needs of parents of younger children without overwhelming them. There is only so much many of us can process at once, so some families step back from support groups but then later rejoin either when they need assistance or when they are in a position to offer it.
I financially support AXYS (The XXYY Project) and encourage my family to do so also. This assures there is help, information and research for all when it is needed.
My favorite part of serving AXYS as your Executive Director is getting to know our community. In mid August I was in Michigan visiting my family and had the pleasure to meet 7 families in our community.
Jennifer, a Mom of a 2-year-old with XXXY and I were hosted by Elisha, a mom of a 2-year-old with Trisomy X. Elisha lives in the city where I grew up. Both Moms shared the wish that the support groups shared more triumphs and positive stories as well as answering questions when problems arose. With a toddler, you have so much ahead of you, so the hope the positive stories offer are greatly needed. So everyone reading this, please keep sharing positive photos and stories in our support groups.
That evening, I had dinner with Jaime and Jeff and their daughter. They are the parents of a teen with XXY, who would have come with his family but had a much more fun offer from his friends. Jaime has attended a few conferences, including our the 2019 AXYS Family Conference in Atlanta. She shared her thoughts on the conference, including the desire for more teen activities and more sibling activities.
The following evening I met with Kathy, who also attended the conference. Our conversation focused on her adult son with XXY, and the work it takes to get SSI. I shared the relevant videos from our YouTube Channel. Kathy gave me candy from Bay City’s most famous candy store St. Laurent Brothers, where Madonna stops to get candy when she is in the area.
On Friday, Wendy and her son John, a 30-year-old with XXY, drove 75 miles to meet me, and Dan and Sonya who have a son with XXY. Wendy offered to share brochures with doctors in Grand Rapids. Thank you Wendy!!
I met Nancy who has a 30-year-old son with XXYY and Brandy and her son 15-year-old XXY son at Ray’s Ice Cream. I used to go there as a child and I had a Boston Cooler, a drink only those from the Detroit area will know.
Kevin and Joy—thanks for reaching out and I hope we can connect the next time I get to Michigan.
Cami—I hope we can meet the next time I’m in Bay City.