The neuronal calcium sensor‐1 (NCS‐1) possesses a consensus signal for N‐terminal myristoylation and four EF‐hand Ca2+‐binding sites, and mediates the effects of cytosolic Ca2+. Minute changes in free intracellular Ca2+ are quickly transformed into changes in the activity of several kinases including calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinases (Ca2+/CaMKs) that are involved in regulating many eukaryotic cell functions. However, our current knowledge of NCS‐1 and Ca2+/CaMKs comes mostly from studies of the mammalian enzymes. Thus far very few fungal homologues of NCS‐1 and Ca2+/CaMKs have been characterized and little is known about their cellular roles. In this minireview, we describe the known sequences, interactions with target proteins and cellular roles of NCS‐1 and Ca2+/CaMKs in fungi. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)