[How the activity of membrane enzymes is regulated]

The pattern of dependence of catalytic function for a number of key membrane bound enzymes on the state and properties of their lipid environment is analysed in the review presented. Using hexokinase, cytochrome c-oxidase, transport ATPases and other membrane bound oligomeric systems it has been shown that phospholipid bilayer regulates the interaction of protein components of these ensembles in the bilayer. This feature of membrane structures regulates the substrate accessibility and affinity to the corresponding active centres, the formation and a life-time of the oligomeric associates (that is especially important for membrane channels), their stability and so on. As the microviscosity of membrane bilayer is strongly modified not only in the course of pathologic but also in the process of adaptive alterations as well as depending on the day time, season and as a result of action of biologically active substance on membrane, the regulation of the functional activity of membrane proteins by this factor is an effective mode for metabolic control.