Effector proteins function to alter host cell physiology and promote bacterial survival in host tissues. This protein is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that interferes with host's ubiquitination pathway (By similarity). Required for inducing polymorphonuclear leukocytes migration across the intestinal epithelium. S-ubiquitinyl-[E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme]-L-cysteine + [acceptor protein]-L-lysine = [E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme]-L-cysteine + N(6)-ubiquitinyl-[acceptor protein]-L-lysine. Secreted via type III secretion system 1 (SPI-1 TTSS), and delivered into the host cell via a Sip-dependent pathway. Localizes to the mitochondria of host cell. Amino acids 100 to 347 are sufficient to target SopA to the mitochondria. Ubiquitinated in the presence of host E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme, E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and ubiquitin. Mutants are significantly less enteropathogenic that the wild-type strain in intestinal ligated loops and are impaired in their ability to promote polymorphonuclear leukocytes movements across the model epithelial monolayer. Belongs to the SopA E3 ligase family.