A set of recombinant DNAs, representing several isolates of JCV, has been constructed. Some of these cloned DNAs transform nonpermissive primary hamster brain cells. Analysis of the early viral mRNAs and proteins isolated from these transformants revealed similarities with the large and small T messages and proteins of SV40. The region of the JCV genome from 0.63 to 0.73 map units was sequenced by the Maxam-Gilbert technique. This segment of DNA specifies several regulatory elements and the amino-terminal portion of the early viral proteins. Comparisons with the analogous regions in the polyomaviruses SV40 and BKV, confirm the close evolutionary relationship of these three viruses. Similarities include palindromic and symmetrical sequences near the origins of DNA replication, binding sites for the large T proteins, and AT-rich region (the Goldberg-Hogness or TATA box), and a large tanden duplication or triplication to the late side of the replication origin (however, these sequences differ). Homology between the sequences coding for the early proteins is also evident (27 of the first 33 amino acids are shared). Of greater interest are features of the JCV genome which differ from those of other polyomaviruses. Absent in JCV and BKV are sequences which resemble the third T antigen-binding site of SV40. In addition, a set of sequences present in JCV and BKV DNA (33 nucleotides in JCV, 22 nucleotides in BKV), and located near a 17 base pair palindrome shared by all three viruses, is missing in SV40 DNA. Another sequence, GGGXGGAG, which is repeated several times in many polyomaviruses and adenoviruses, and which is thought to play a role in DNA replication and/or transcription, is not found in the JCV sequence presented. Finally, the tandem repeat of JCV, unlike those of BKV and SV40, includes the Goldberg-Hogness sequence.