Summary of the meta-analysis workflow.

1 Larger gene list retrieving genes common to both datasets. This list was used for pathway analysis. We postulated that it represents mechanistic signatures of EE2 treatment on rainbow trout juveniles.2 Shorter gene list retrieving genes common to both datasets. This list was used for ontology analysis. We postulated that it represents mechanistic signatures of EE2 treatment on rainbow trout juveniles.3 Shortest gene list retrieving genes common to both datasets. We postulated that it focuses on genes potentially involved in early responses to EE2 treatment. This third group was selected based on union intersections, which represents DEGs common to at least one condition in dataset 1 and one condition in dataset 2 (for example DEG in CT1 and MT-MC D7).4 [25]5 Limited number of genes considered true positives after all filtering steps of the analysis workflow. We postulated that these genes are potentially implicated in male-to-female transdifferentiation processes. Gene expression profiles of this final gene list were compared with gene expression between normal (control) male and female juvenile rainbow trout.Summary of the meta-analysis workflow.