Modelling the size dynamics of adipocytes

In this presentation, I will introduce several models to describe the size dynamics of a population of adipocytes, i.e. the cells of adipose tissue, which are used to store lipids in the human body. A remarkable phenomenon, common to all individuals, is that the distribution of adipocytes follows a bimodal law, formed by two peaks, one around small adipocytes and the other around larger adipocytes. We therefore propose several PDE or ODE models to describe the evolution over time of the distribution of adipocyte size. Particular attention will be paid to the stationary solutions of these systems, as these stationary solutions will be used to compare the models with the available experimental data. This work was carried out in collaboration with Chloé Audebert, Maxime Breden, Aloïs Dauger, Louis Fostier, Anne-Sophie Giaccobi, Léo Meyer, Hédi Soula, and Romain Yvinec.