In this study, by taking advantage of a recently developed novel Cdk7 specific covalent inhibitor THZ1, which negatively impacts gene expression and proliferation in cancer cells and animal models (Chipumuro et al., 2014; Christensen et al., 2014; Kwiatkowski et al., 2014; Nilson et al., 2015), we provide evidence demonstrating that Cdk7 activity is critical for neuronal activity-induced transcription of IEGs, long-lasting synaptic plasticity and the formation of long-term memories. The gene discussed is CDK7; the disease is cancer.