Plasma membrane osmosensor that activates the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) MAPK signaling pathway in response to high osmolarity. Affects fungal virulence. Forms homooligomers. Expression is up-regulated in insect hemolymph or in artificial media with high osmolarity. Also induced by heat (37 gegrees Celsius) and oxidative stress. Belongs to the SHO1 family.