Decalpenic acid induces early osteoblastic markers in pluripotent mesenchymal cells via activation of retinoic acid receptor γ

► Decalpenic acid induced the transcriptional activation of RARE-Luc reporter. ► DPA mimics the effect of ATRA on global gene transcription. ► DPA has selective activity towards retinoic acid receptors γ and α. ► Induction of early osteoblastic markers with DPA was inhibited by Rarγ -targeting siRNA.