Disclosed are methods and compositions for modulation of ion levels in cells. The compositions contain a new class of biologically active peptides derived from the venom of predatory marine snails of the species Conus gladiator and Conus mus. The active peptides, termed -Hydroxyconophans are heavily hydroxylated small peptides. These peptides contain a definitive structural motif which is a double modification of the polypeptide chain in contiguous residues, i.e., -OH-Hyv-D-Trp.
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